Things are looking a little brighter in Hollywood, at the moment.
In Jim Hiller’s first game as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, the team came up with a great effort against the red-hot Edmonton Oilers, beating Connor McDavid and company on Saturday.
The Kings were on a big slump in the final days with Todd McLellan in charge, and seemed to be spiraling out of a playoff spot. So the question is, can Hiller get the castle in order in time to be a threat in the postseason?
As of Monday, L.A. is fourth in the Pacific Division, three points back of the Oilers. They also hold the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, just two points ahead of the ninth-place Nashville Predators.
On Monday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss what the Kings could be with Hiller at the helm.
Tyler Yaremchuk: I was always of the belief that this Kings team would turn it around, so it’s not going to surprise me, still encouraging to see how them come out and play well in front of Hiller.
Frank Seravalli: It kind of felt like a long time coming…it felt like they made the coaching change forever ago. They had the benefit of the bye week in order to get things in order. I’m with you, I think this Kings team is so much more talented than they’ve shown.
I also thought it was fitting, and/or interesting, that they go with David Rittich to get the first start. He pitches a shutout for Jim Hiller in his debut. When you look at this team is heading, I feel like so much of their question marks surround their play in net. If the Kings are going to be back into one of those top three spots in the Pacific, and avoid what could be a crossover in round one, the last thing you want do, this year, is be one of the Wild Card teams.
You can watch the full segment, and the entire episode here…
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