NHL Notebook: Kings likely to retain Rob Blake and Jim Hiller after playoff loss to Oilers

The Los Angeles Kings’ recent playoff loss to the Edmonton Oilers has undoubtedly left the team and its fans with a sense of disappointment and what-ifs. After a competitive series, the Kings ultimately fell short in their quest for a Stanley Cup, but despite the heartbreak, the focus now shifts to the future of the franchise. While the end of a playoff run is often a time for reflection and change, one significant takeaway from this year’s postseason is that the Kings are likely to retain two of their key front-office figures—General Manager Rob Blake and Head Coach Jim Hiller.

The decision to keep Blake and Hiller in their respective roles, even after a difficult postseason loss, speaks volumes about the stability and long-term vision the Kings’ management holds. But while the pair’s future appears secure, many questions remain about what the franchise needs to do in order to take the next step and ultimately contend for a championship in the near future. In this article, we’ll delve into why Blake and Hiller are expected to return, the factors that led to the playoff loss to the Oilers, and what changes—if any—could be on the horizon for the Kings.

Rob Blake’s Role as General Manager: A Steady Hand at the Helm

Since being named the Kings’ general manager in 2017, Rob Blake has overseen a significant period of transition for the franchise. Under his leadership, the team has shifted away from the veteran-heavy roster that helped the Kings capture two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014, toward a younger, more dynamic group of players with a mix of established stars and promising prospects. The goal has always been to build a sustainable and competitive team that can contend for championships year after year.

In the years since his appointment, Blake has made several impactful decisions. Notably, he’s overseen the drafting and development of key players like Adrian Kempe, Gabriel Vilardi, and Quinton Byfield. In addition, Blake has been proactive in adding key veterans, such as Alex Iafallo, Kevin Fiala, and Viktor Arvidsson, to complement the young talent on the roster. The result has been a team that consistently contends for the postseason, year in and year out.

However, despite the success of his long-term plan, the Kings have yet to break through to the upper echelon of the NHL. This season’s playoff loss to the Oilers, while disappointing, was also a reminder of the talent gap that still exists between Los Angeles and the NHL’s elite teams. The Kings fought hard in the series, but they ultimately couldn’t match the firepower of Edmonton’s dynamic duo, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, in what turned out to be a high-paced, high-scoring series.

But despite this loss, the Kings are positioned for future success. With a solid foundation in place and a commitment to developing their young talent, the team remains well-positioned to challenge for a championship in the years to come. Rob Blake’s ability to navigate the complexities of roster-building—through both trades and the draft—has earned him significant credit within the organization, and it appears that ownership is confident in his ability to continue leading the team in the right direction.

Jim Hiller’s Coaching Philosophy: Bringing Stability and Structure

While the Kings’ playoff loss to the Oilers was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow, it also underscored the importance of Jim Hiller’s role as head coach. Hiller, who took over the head coaching duties in 2021, has had the difficult task of building a cohesive team with a mix of young, developing players and veteran leaders. While not as well-known as some of the NHL’s more high-profile coaches, Hiller has demonstrated an ability to adapt to the needs of his roster and has created a team culture centered around hard work, discipline, and accountability.

Under Hiller’s leadership, the Kings have embraced a more modern, fast-paced style of play. The team has focused on maximizing their speed and skill while ensuring a strong defensive structure. This has been particularly evident in the team’s defensive play, where Hiller has implemented systems that prioritize tight checking, efficient puck movement, and smart defensive positioning. While the Kings may not be the flashiest team in the league, they have managed to outwork many of their opponents, earning them respect around the NHL.

Despite their impressive regular-season performance, the Kings’ shortcomings in the postseason highlighted a few areas where Hiller and his coaching staff might need to adjust. The Oilers were able to exploit certain weaknesses in the Kings’ defense, particularly when it came to defending Edmonton’s explosive power play and the fast-break transition game. Hiller’s challenge moving forward will be to refine the Kings’ defensive game and ensure that they are better equipped to contain top-tier offensive players like McDavid and Draisaitl, who proved difficult to stop in the playoff series.

However, even after the loss, it’s clear that Hiller has the backing of the organization. His ability to get the most out of his players, his emphasis on team-first mentality, and his calm, steady approach have made him a trusted leader. The fact that he has earned a reputation for fostering a strong relationship with his players bodes well for the long-term success of the franchise.

The Kings’ Playoff Loss to the Oilers: A Series of Missed Opportunities

While the Kings have plenty to be proud of in their 2023-24 season, the playoff loss to the Oilers showcased some of the team’s deficiencies and areas that need improvement. One of the most glaring issues was the inability to contain Edmonton’s potent offense. Connor McDavid, in particular, proved to be a game-changer throughout the series, and the Kings struggled to slow him down. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability were on full display, and despite strong efforts from the Kings’ defensemen, McDavid continued to produce at an elite level.

The Kings’ goaltending, which had been solid throughout the regular season, also faced scrutiny in the postseason. While Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen were solid at times, the duo struggled to match the performance of Edmonton’s goaltender, Stuart Skinner, whose timely saves and composure under pressure were crucial in securing the Oilers’ victory. The Kings will need to reevaluate their goaltending situation moving forward, as they seek to find a netminder who can step up in high-pressure moments, especially in the postseason.

Another aspect of the series that left Kings fans disappointed was their inability to capitalize on power-play opportunities. Despite having talented players like Fiala and Anze Kopitar on the man advantage, the Kings struggled to convert power plays into goals. This was especially evident in the series, as the Oilers’ penalty kill was strong, and the Kings failed to take full advantage of their opportunities.

The Kings also had a hard time matching the Oilers’ offensive depth. While the Kings boast some offensive talent, they were often outmanned in terms of scoring ability. Edmonton’s secondary scorers, such as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, proved to be just as dangerous as McDavid and Draisaitl at times, creating mismatches that the Kings couldn’t always overcome.

What’s Next for the Kings?

Looking ahead, the Kings have a lot to be excited about, despite their recent playoff exit. With Blake and Hiller likely to stay in their roles, the team can continue building on their current foundation without the distraction of significant leadership changes. However, there are areas of concern that need to be addressed if the Kings are to become true Stanley Cup contenders in the near future.

First, the Kings need to find ways to improve their offensive depth. While players like Kopitar, Fiala, and Kempe are all capable of being top-tier performers, the Kings need more contributions from their bottom six. Strengthening their depth scoring will be crucial in the coming years, as they can’t rely solely on their top players to win games in the playoffs.

Secondly, the Kings will need to continue developing their young talent. Players like Quinton Byfield and Gabriel Vilardi are expected to take on more prominent roles in the future, and their development will be critical to the Kings’ long-term success. The team must focus on ensuring these young players are ready to contribute at an elite level when it matters most.

Finally, the Kings will likely need to address their goaltending situation. While Quick and Petersen are both capable goaltenders, it’s clear that the team may need to add a more established option between the pipes if they want to compete for a Stanley Cup in the next few years.

While the Kings’ playoff loss to the Oilers is a tough pill to swallow, there’s no question that the future remains bright for this franchise. With Rob Blake’s steady hand guiding the team from the front office and Jim Hiller’s structured approach on the bench, the Kings are well-positioned to continue their development as a competitive force in the NHL. The focus now turns to addressing key areas of need—like offensive depth and goaltending—while continuing to nurture their young talent. With a bright future ahead, the Kings are a team that could soon be back in the hunt for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup.