The Los Angeles Kings have faced significant challenges this season, struggling to find consistency and offensive production. The team has not won a playoff series since their Stanley Cup victory in 2014, and they currently rank 29th in the NHL for average goals per game, averaging just 2.53 goals.
Recent Developments
In a recent game on March 7, 2026, Anze Kopitar contributed one assist in the Kings’ 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders. This performance brought his season total to 25 points, comprising 6 goals and 19 assists over 46 games. However, the Kings have been struggling, sitting three points outside the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
On March 1, 2026, the Kings made a significant change by firing head coach Jim Hiller. In his place, D.J. Smith was appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. This decision comes as the Kings aim to revitalize their performance and push for a playoff spot.
Kopitar expressed the team’s need for improvement, stating, “We’ve just got to flat-out perform better.” He acknowledged the inconsistency that has plagued the team, saying, “It wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t consistent enough.” These sentiments reflect the urgency within the Kings’ locker room as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Ken Holland, the team’s general manager, commented on the coaching change, emphasizing the need for a leadership shift: “At this point in the season, we believe a change in leadership is necessary to give our group the best opportunity to reach its potential and compete at the level we expect.” This highlights the critical juncture at which the Kings find themselves.
Looking Ahead
With 23 games remaining in the season, the Kings have one of the easier schedules in the NHL. This could provide them with an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. As Kopitar continues to lead the team, observers are keen to see if the coaching change will spark the necessary improvements for a playoff push.
