Los Angeles Kings president Luc Robitaille has expressed unwavering confidence in head coach Jim Hiller, stating that he expects Hiller to retain his position as the team prepares to hire a new general manager following Rob Blake's departure. Robitaille highlighted Hiller's impressive record since taking over in February 2024, where the Kings achieved 69 wins, matching franchise records with a successful season despite playoff struggles.

Robitaille acknowledged that while the new GM will have final say over the coaching staff, he is pleased with the team's trajectory and style of play. With the Kings failing to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, Robitaille emphasized the need for fresh leadership to enhance a talented roster. As preparations begin for the next season, he has already engaged with key unrestricted free agents, indicating a proactive approach to team-building.

In light of recent changes, Los Angeles Kings president Luc Robitaille has voiced unwavering support for head coach Jim Hiller amid the search for a new general manager. Following the amicable departure of GM Rob Blake, Robitaille believes Hiller's impressive record, with a 69-37-10 performance since his appointment in February 2024, warrants his return. The Kings matched franchise records with 48 victories and 105 points in the past season but faced disappointment in the playoffs, being eliminated by Edmonton for the fourth consecutive year.

Robitaille acknowledged the need for a fresh vision to optimize the Kings' talented roster, emphasizing that the new GM will have the ultimate authority over the coaching staff. Despite calls for a more progressive style of play, he defended the team's defense-first approach and lauded their scoring capabilities, highlighting their strong power play. With the Kings yet to win a playoff series since 2014, Robitaille’s insights reveal a mix of confidence in Hiller’s coaching and the urgent need for strategic adjustments moving forward.

The Los Angeles Kings are navigating a challenging stretch in their NHL season, facing fatigue as the regular season reaches its mid-point. Coach Jim Hiller emphasizes the importance of resilience during this grueling phase, especially with the return of veteran defenseman Drew Doughty from injury. Doughty's presence is seen as a significant boost, akin to a major trade, as he reclaims his role after a lengthy recovery from ankle surgery.

Despite a recent win against Carolina, the Kings have struggled, winning only three of their last eleven games, reminiscent of their previous season's slump that led to coaching changes. Doughty aims to regain his form and contribute significantly in the remaining games, particularly with the upcoming trade deadline looming. The Kings are in desperate need of offensive reinforcements, particularly on the wing. Adrian Kempe leads the team in goals, while others have underperformed, putting pressure on management to act as they approach the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Kings returned to their downtown arena after a series of devastating wildfires, honoring firefighters and first responders at the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Kings had postponed their original game against Calgary due to the fires and played their next five matches on the road. During pregame warmups, both teams wore caps representing the Los Angeles Fire Department, and a special tribute graphic replaced the traditional logo on the ice.

Coach Jim Hiller expressed his emotional response to the tribute, acknowledging the courageous acts of the first responders. Anze Kopitar and Sidney Crosby participated in a ceremonial face-off with Fire Engineer Chien Yu. Despite the emotional context, the Kings suffered a 5-1 loss, with Kopitar emphasizing the importance of community support in the face of adversity.

In a poignant tribute to the local heroes battling recent wildfires, the Los Angeles Kings returned to their downtown arena to honor firefighters and first responders before their matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This highly anticipated game, originally scheduled for January 8, had been postponed due to the fires that affected many in the city.

During the pregame, players from both teams wore special LAFD caps while honoring the heroic efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Kings replaced their traditional logo at center ice with a graphic dedicated to these first responders, evoking a heartfelt response from players and fans alike.