[News] Kings fire McLellan. Jim Hiller named interim head coach

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

not sure who can get PLD to play like he cares.

I don't think anyone can. The guy just doesn't seem to like hockey as anything more than a means to an end. Unfortunately for LA, LA was apparently that "end" so they're not even getting the 20-30 games a year where PLD looks unstoppable that the Jets and Jackets go.

[jg13]

Bringing in Woodcroft and beating the Oilers in round 1 would be a dream scenario. I couldn't even imagine the crying and salt up north if that happened.

[Bubba17]

The GM trades away a bunch of quality players for the dressing room killer PLD then fires the coach because they have become a one line team.

I really begin to question the GM talent in the NHL. These guys couldn't even realize that Dubois is a cancer, has ruined 2 previous team chemistry and decide to pay him $8.5M per year. The owners should be asking the questions about what due diligence do these guys perform.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Bubba17

I really begin to question the GM talent in the NHL. These guys couldn't even realize that Dubois is a cancer, has ruined 2 previous team chemistry and decide to pay him $8.5M per year. The owners should be asking the questions about what due diligence do these guys perform.

So many teams don't seem willing to look at anyone for the GM job unless he's a former NHL player himself. There are good managers in that pool, but not enough for 32 teams. Many of the great GMs never played in the NHL: Pollock, Torrey, Selke, Devellano, Fletcher… A lot of those guys started out as scouts or minor-league coach/managers.

[dino7c]

Blame the coach because you failed to get a goalie and made a bad trade...classic

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

So many teams don't seem willing to look at anyone for the GM job unless he's a former NHL player himself. There are good managers in that pool, but not enough for 32 teams. Many of the great GMs never played in the NHL: Pollock, Torrey, Selke, Devellano, Fletcher… A lot of those guys started out as scouts or minor-league coach/managers.

Two suspect reasons NHLers often get hired as GMs: 1) Players are arrogant prima-donnas who don’t respect anyone unless they played in the NHL; 2) Fans and media often get excited at the hiring of a former team great, so it’s a good PR move.

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by Bubba17

The GM trades away a bunch of quality players for the dressing room killer PLD then fires the coach because they have become a one line team.

I really begin to question the GM talent in the NHL. These guys couldn't even realize that Dubois is a cancer, has ruined 2 previous team chemistry and decide to pay him $8.5M per year. The owners should be asking the questions about what due diligence do these guys perform.

I think this post shows a distinct lack of understanding with what is happening with the Kings right now. Yes, PLD is playing awful. Yes the trade for PLD was a mistake. The Kings' current struggles are not related to coaching or skaters on the ice. Their goal tending was a weak point they acknowledged going into the season and just accepted. They came out of the gate with their goal tending playing way above their expected level. The Kings had a fairly soft early schedule and were feasting on bad teams. Their schedule started getting more difficult and at the same time as the clock struck midnight and their goal tending turned back into a pumpkin. During this stretch, the Kings advanced statistical numbers are all still good during this rough stretch. They're still playing their game, they just can't out score their problems.

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

Blake in desperation mode. He’s next in the firing line.

They should have fired Blake and kept McLellan.

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

They should have fired Blake and kept McLellan.

I think that's fair.

[Canada 02]

13th new coach since Rick Tocchet was hired a year ago.

I'd bet at least 7 more (not including the three interim guys) on the hot seat pending the outcome of this season - Tourigny, Granato, Ruff, Sullivan, Quinn, Hakstol, Keefe

[Canada 02]

Marek and Friedman think Rittich is the current #1 goalie for the Kings

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

Marek and Friedman think Rittich is the current #1 goalie for the Kings

He is. He's getting all the starts now.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Blaster86

He is. He's getting all the starts now.

i'm not laughing at the fact; i'm laughing at the Kings

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

i'm not laughing at the fact; i'm laughing at the Kings

They went into the season talking about knowing their goaltending was a problem and now people in their organization are acting shocked it's a problem.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Mazrim

Didn't even last 4 months after his extension. Yikes.

Extensions becoming the kiss of death for head coaches.

[Bonded]

PLD could actually get bought out. He should play like he cares

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by Bonded

PLD could actually get bought out. He should play like he cares

He doesn't. Hockey was a means to live a lavish lifestyle somewhere warm and rub shoulders with the elite. He's succeeded. He's good. He gets bought out and I'd be shocked if he looks for another NHL job.

[Rtown]

Huh. Guy gets fired and replaced by a guy that played junior in his hometown. Wonder how many times that’s happened before?

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by jg13

Bringing in Woodcroft and beating the Oilers in round 1 would be a dream scenario. I couldn't even imagine the crying and salt up north if that happened.

Very unlikely they meet in round 1; almost impossible at this point.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Very unlikely they meet in round 1; almost impossible at this point.

Almost impossible? Hardly.

LAK is +8 and VGS is +14, with more than 30 games remaining. If VGS is at all mediocre down the stretch, and LAK gets on a roll, they could easily catch them. And that would put EDM and LAK in the 2-3 slots.

There is also the lesser possibility that EDM passes VAN, and they face each other in the 1 vs WC slot.

With 30 games left, there is still plenty of opportunity for movement in the standings.