Kings Face Uphill Battle with Coaching Change

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NHL News Today, subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. The Los Angeles Kings are facing a tough stretch in their 2025-26 season, highlighted by a major coaching change. General manager Ken Holland fired head coach Jim Hiller after a string of losses, including an 8-1 defeat against the Edmonds and Oilers. Associate head coach DJ Smith stepped in as interim head coach on Sunday March 1, aiming to salvage a wildcard playoff spot. Injuries have hammered the roster right after the Olympic break. Star forward, Kevin Fiala broke his left leg, playing for Switzerland, and is out for the season. Andre Kuzmenko had meniscus surgery and could miss the rest of the regular season, while Drew Dowdy, Joel Armia, and Trevor Moore are sidelineed. Short-term with various issues. Trade rumors are heating up ahead of the deadline as the Kings seek scoring help. They already added Artemis Panneron before the break, and now I Montreal's Patrick Lane

1:03to fill gaps left by the injuries. All this urgency ties back to Captain Anze Coupatars' retirement as season's in, with everyone motivated not to waste his final year. The Kings sit just three points out of the Western conference wildcard spot held by Seattle. All my Seattle. Fans and players hope the coaching switch brings a fresh start, especially with the emotional drive from Coupatars Farewell. This week test the new regime starting tonight at home against the top-seated Colorado Avalanche at 10.30 p.m. Eastern. They follow with home games versus the New York Islanders on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. Eastern, Montreal on Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern, and then a Road matchup at Columbus on Monday at 4 p.m. Eastern. Grabbing four more points could reignite their playoff hopes. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow. No earbuds, no distractions, just listen and relax. S-O-L-I-SOLIPILLO.COM