Los Angeles Kings look to get their season on track by firing head coach Jim Hiller and naming DJ Smith interim head coach, as playoff hopes hang in the balance. Can Smith’s approach and fresh bench presence restore the team’s swagger? With Matt Greene joining the staff, the Kings aim to shake up their playoff trajectory. Eddie Garcia breaks down GM Ken Holland’s timing, key coaching philosophies, and the challenges ahead as the Kings battle for a playoff spot. Special guest Brandon Pillar of Locked on Ottawa Senators offers insider insights on DJ Smith’s tenure with the Sens and what Kings fans should expect from the new bench boss. Discussion includes defensive structure, potential roster shifts, and the ripple effects of recent trades. Will the Kings rally for postseason glory under new leadership or is this too little too late?
00:00 Kings Fire Hiller, DJ Smith Hired
Intro, announcement of Jim Hiller’s firing, DJ Smith’s appointment, initial analysis and reaction.
10:18 DJ Smith Ottawa Insights
Deep-dive interview segment with Brandon Pillar, discussing DJ Smith’s coaching style, legacy in Ottawa, and implications for the Kings.
24:31 Holland’s Rationale & Kings Updates
Eddie Garcia analyzes Ken Holland’s decision, team reactions, injury/news updates, playoff race focus.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLAKings?sid=YouTube
Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL
#LosAngelesKings #LAKings #NHL
13 Comments
NOT SURPRISED
Former LA KINGS PLAYER MATT GREENE
The question is now did they took too long
It's about time! I do think the team still need 2 maybe 3 more Playoff Players (grinders, workers)…However, I will still say it – this "interim" staff, needs to play all 4 lines, and everyone on the team needs to contribute…because if DJ shortens the bench, like Hiller – they're done!
The Kings have a revolving door for coaches.
Do smith is not the best man to guide this team
I think they'll just stick with smith. run with him for a couple of seasons and replace him with Matt Green.. rinse and repeat..
Giving up Jordan spence was stupid on Holland's part.
DJ Smith was a happy go lucky team with Sens. Players included lots of offense. They played with little to no discernible structure. It was a challenge for the interim coach to reform things…and Travis agreed has been able you bring things around since.
So looking forward to this situation where guys just don’t score or set up much for it.
Eddie got his wish and Hiller is gone. They can't keep switching head coaches and expect to be good. 3 coaches in 3 years.
It's not going to make any difference and its 2 years too late
The roller coaster is not changing it's course, it's just starting to ascend…..buckle up
Failng to get Quenville was mistake #1. Hearing your brother podcaster say he thinks he learned some things doesnt give me much confidence. Dump and chase hockey is just boring. Mistake #2. Not getting Laviolette or DeBoeris mistake #3.