Trending Now - Kings Stumble in New Coach's Debut; Avs Mark Special Milestone
WHO:
Los Angeles Kings
Jim Hiller, former head coach (fired)
D.J. Smith, interim head coach (48 years old)
Ken Holland, Kings Vice President and General Manager
Matt Greene, player development coach (joining as assistant coach)
Anze Kopitar, Kings captain (38 years old)
Kevin Fiala, player (out for the season)
Andrei Kuzmenko, player (week-to-week after surgery)
Adrian Kempe, player
Devon Toews, player for Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon, player for Colorado Avalanche
Gabriel Landeskog, player for Colorado Avalanche
Mackenzie Blackwood, goalie for Colorado Avalanche
Angus Booth, player (making NHL debut)
Kenny Connors, player (making NHL debut)
Jared Wright, player (making NHL debut)
Drew Doughty, player (injured)
Joel Armia, player (injured)
Darcy Kuemper, goalie (illness)
WHAT:
The Kings fired coach Jim Hiller on March 1, 2026.
D.J. Smith was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
The Kings lost to the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on March 2, 2026.
The Avalanche became the first NHL team with 40 wins this season (40-10-9).
The Kings were missing seven key players due to injury or illness.
The Kings have made the Stanley Cup playoffs in four consecutive seasons but have not advanced past the first round since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.
Hiller was criticized for a failed coach's challenge in last year's playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers.
WHERE:
Los Angeles, California
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Toyota Sports Performance Center, El Segundo, CA
WHEN:
Jim Hiller was fired on March 1, 2026.
D.J. Smith's first game as interim head coach was on March 2, 2026.
The Kings held a full-team morning skate on March 2, 2026.
The Kings' last game before the coaching change was on February 28, 2026, where they won 2-0 against Calgary.
WHY:
The Kings fired Hiller due to a poor performance in February, including a five-game losing streak and a need for a change in leadership to reach their potential.
The Kings are hoping to capitalize on Anze Kopitar's final season in the NHL.
HOW:
D.J. Smith was promoted from associate head coach to interim head coach.
The Kings are implementing changes in practice routines under Smith, including a full-team morning skate.
The Los Angeles Kings made a significant change by firing coach Jim Hiller on March 1, and they have appointed D.J. Smith as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. In his first game at the helm on March 2, the Kings lost to the Colorado Avalanche 4-2, marking the Avalanche as the first NHL team to reach 40 wins this season. The Kings are currently facing challenges with seven key players sidelined due to injury or illness, as they strive to make the most of Anze Kopitar's final season in the NHL.