LA Kings fans ignite with passionate reactions as the team shakes up its coaching staff and navigates a quiet trade deadline. Can DJ Smith spark a playoff push, or will management’s change of corse backfire? Eddie Garcia examines the franchise’s strategic direction and whether LA’s leadership is making the right calls on—and off—the ice. Key topics include the debate over a full rebuild versus a retool, and Ken Holland’s cautious deadline moves. Listener emails fuel spirited discussion on underperforming forwards, controversial personnel changes, and where the Kings go from here. Will the new energy under Smith help the LA Kings recapture their playoff form, or do deeper issues threaten the core’s last stand?
00:00 – Coaching Change Reaction
Summary of LA Kings coaching change, immediate fan feedback, and discussion on promoting DJ Smith. Covers Kings’ approach to coaching, alternatives considered, and initial results.
10:35 – Kings Management & Roster Moves
Deep dive into broader Kings management decisions, recent trades, trade deadline assessments, high-level criticisms, and debate on the path forward (rebuild, retool, or continue current route). Includes multiple listener emails discussing player trades, management accountability, and future plans.
24:39 – Trade Deadline & Playoff Outlook
Fans’ takes on the trade deadline moves, reaction to Ken Holland’s approach, reflections on the franchise’s realistic playoff odds, focus on building for the future, and opinions about next steps for roster construction.
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6 Comments
Two games blown in the last 5 minutes , one win ,and it was kopitar 1500 game , they did it for kopitar,not DJ or themselves.
I do like they outshot the opponents the last two , HOWEVER no shots from the defense which are so dangerous if players would go to the net , the d still never pinches ,mostly nothing dangerous risky or done with speed ,kings making opposition GTs look good .
I had embraced Corey Perry as an LA King, and now he's gone. I feel sad about his leaving us. I hope he taught the younger Kings his techniques about hanging out in front of the goalie. I also appreciate Perry's intensity in sticking up for his teammates on the ice. Go Kings go.
I feel the noticeable loss of Kuzmenko! His creativity on the ice is fun to watch and I like his attitude.
I think our KINGS are done hopefully I'm wrong waiting for the ⚾ Season & my Chicago Cubs
One more time I'm gonna leave this short pin point accurate evaluation by Dennis Bernstein.
https://youtu.be/KGUK-6mPlSI?is=lbso1EEQq3V0IGxp
To not go all in at deadline was a wise decision by Holland. What's the point of making the playoffs this year?
Keep the picks instead, maybe even keep Hiller in and tank for a high lottery pick. Go get a proven head coach and make moves in the offseason with a s*itload of cap space and a healthy current roster.
Different energy but they still have the same issues they had for a decade. No finish or killer instinct. They double the shot volume but get beaten by more efficient teams.
Not a bad team but they need a different voice and system. Maybe even Byfield thrives then. If he's not getting traded in a bigger move. Which they should make if it's available.