Speculation: Fire Rob Blake Blow it Up Offseason Thread (update: Robitaille, Blake and Hiller stay)

[chris kontos]

Very well put Chris

Thats the point ive regressed to.
So to me unless something extremely crazy happening the present team is where we're at for maybe the next ten years.
To an actuary im not going to live that long.
So i really have to bullshit myself to maintain an interest in this washed up vet mgmt welfare grab . That colludes with a player agent. That ices a team that is objectively coached with a system that its players are physically the polar opposites of what it takes to win in this system. And they just reupped the bench boss that runs the system.
Its a quandry for me.
I guess i'll stick around for the cynicisim.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Can someone explain to me why even go for 3 years when the Kings got their backs blown out by the Oilers? What was the strategy here that was like "gah damn brotha we got to extend this savant quick" Was it the 1-3-1 with 2 minutes left down 6-3 in the match? Did that really arouse these f***ing morons that match? What a pathetic organization lmfaooooooo. In addendum to the people who had a list of a couple organizations they wouldn't switch the Kings out for, now realistically the Kings are the worst organization in the entire NHL.

Kopitar and Doughty are still the top guys lmaoooo
Talbot and Rittich lmfaooo
Worst PK on earth
Wortst PP on Earth
Worst system in the universe
Prospects like Byfield are getting the shaft for some loser like Kopitar who blows his load in one game and is a nonfactor during the rest of the series
Clarke riding pine in the AHL for no reason lmfaoooo
Kaliyev getting deported to Greenland with I am sure some fake stories about KGB involvement to ruin his image even more
PLD not doing shit making 8.5 mill a year
11/7 because we're the accounting frauds of the NHL
ZERO prospects to be excited about
Holding onto Roy who is a complete moron in front of the net
Lewis has a roster spot for what reason I dont know. PK specialist for sure
Moore looking like a scared toddler the entire series and a nonfactor
Arviddson the choke goat

Danualt did fine. I give him a pass alone.


Softest team in the NHL.

Kings are the worst organization in the NHL. We're at the cap and a complete joke on the ice.

You could almost justify Lewis as a post season guy who wins board battles.. but nothing about the roster construction indicates they even think about the 2nd season and what it would take to be successful.. and the most likely reason for his presence is because he's buds with DD

 

[Telos]

Aeg appearently doesnt give a f***
So why should you?

Exactly this. I think that is the most disappointing thing about all of this. AEG shrugging their shoulders and allowing Blake and Luc to continue as normal is so mind-boggling to me. To think there are absolutely no checks and balances and it is just dogs running amok in the background is infuriating. There has to be accountability from ownership to the fanbase. This may not be Toronto, and they may face a lot less scrutiny, but this is beyond unacceptable. There definitely needs to be a boycott and reduction in attendance in sales on some level to get their attention if for some reason they just don't want to do it.

The feeling I get from AEG, or how I interpret it, is that they are satisfied with current revenue streams, the Kings are one of the most valuable franchises in the league, they have long-time legends they are familiar with at the helm and on the team, and until Kopitar and Doughty retire they are throwing their hands up and saying 'money is still rolling in so do whatever till you retire, you've earned it.' I appreciate that they treat Kopitar and Doughty better than Quick (of course, easy to say while they are performing), but it shouldn't matter, the team's performance and overall future should come first, and the fact that there is zero accountability and only a blank check behind Blake and Luc is easily reason enough for many die-hard Kings fans to revolt and turn their backs on the franchise.

 

[FrozenKing18]

Aeg appearently doesnt give a f***
So why should you?

This is it right here. It all starts at the tip top, with Rob and Luc as the root of the problem.

Delusion is how I can best describe the current management's mindset. The whole "we were right there" and "we made progress" comments solidified it for me. These guys aren't going to admit that we are nowhere close to a championship anytime soon. They believe that we can win it with the current roster, and because of that, no changes will be made, which means the Kings will stay a good team but not a championship team in the next few years until all these players age out and/or lose confidence with it's losing culture. The sooner Beckerman or Anschutz (Idk who runs AEG now, someone catch me up) wake up and foresee the disaster this team is going to be, the sooner they can cut Rob and Luc and their stupid ass masterplan. The management/org direction/player development all needs to be cleansed.

 

[King'sPawn]

I think Hiller's a sharp guy who was stuck working within the confines of management's directive of "just make the playoffs after we fired your predecessor."

The problem is management is still here to give approval for how they want things done.

So, I can't hate the hire, as there are no "better" alternatives. Management would only hire people with a plan they like.

Normally I agree with it, as a vision should be upheld, but I just don't trust management's vision or ability to adhere to a plan.

 

[shuchukfan]

That Hiller shit is the last straw for me. Time to care way less.

I think the last straw for me will potentially be what they do (or don't do) about PLD. If he's on the roster next year, then I'm right there with you. I'll still watch the games, but illegally to not give them any revenue from the streams.

 

[kingsholygrail]

I think the last straw for me will potentially be what they do (or don't do) about PLD. If he's on the roster next year, then I'm right there with you. I'll still watch the games, but illegally to not give them any revenue from the streams.

PLD is going to be a regular. They've more or less already confirmed that. There is no consideration for a buyout and they're not going to bury him in the AHL.

 

[Statto]

Multi year extension.

f***ing crazy how incompetent this organization is.

Whilst I understand your lack of excitement nobody is signing a one year deal. Has any coach ever done that (that was not ‘interim’)?

 

[Telos]

I am disappointed by the Hiller hire, but the coaching definitely doesn't matter if they are committed to keeping all the same personnel, system and development philosophies, and management.

It is just so insulting that throughout the year they heralded that this was a make-or-break year and it was perform or bust. TMac and Blake were in front of the cameras saying things needed to happen or else their jobs were on the line. Then TMac gets scapegoated and sacrificed, we are insta-bounced in the first round in humiliating fashion, and then Blake just comes out like just kidding, we are here to stay, and then pivots to explain to fans that we are so close, we are right there, the series could have gone either way and we feel we can compete as-is. LIKE WHAT WE SAW REPEATEDLY THREE YEARS STRAIGHT DIDN'T HAPPEN!?!?!?

It is literally the most insulting thing I think I have seen from a franchise to their fanbase in forever. I can't even think of a comparable. Literally, everyone would say that we sucked, we have to find another way, we are going to rebuild/retool, or do f***ing something else other than we are fine, we are going to stay the course, fourth time's a charm, we will totally beat Edmonton next time, we are just so close... It is like more insidious than a lie at this point. Then the demoralization is complete with AEG is like, whatever, you got this you legends...

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

When even rival fanbases are like "i'm sorry LA, i have no clue what you're doing or why you're doing this but you don't deserve it"

 

[GameNight]

I hope they lose every single game next year.

 

[Statto]

I think Hiller's a sharp guy who was stuck working within the confines of management's directive of "just make the playoffs after we fired your predecessor."

The problem is management is still here to give approval for how they want things done.

So, I can't hate the hire, as there are no "better" alternatives. Management would only hire people with a plan they like.

Normally I agree with it, as a vision should be upheld, but I just don't trust management's vision or ability to adhere to a plan.

Whatever the vision (strategy) is in terms of roster construction it has to be the coaches decision on execution (tactical plan). 100%. I have no issue with a GM (Blake) having a view but it has to be the HC’s call and responsibility. Anyone above Blake’s level shouldn’t even be inputting on systems, lines, recalls etc. The only input above Blake should be an assessment of his success and to hire/fire the GM.

It’s one of the reasons Blake is still there, because Lucas’s fingerprints are all over everything. Blake is delivering Luc’s vision and giving him the voice he wants. That doesn’t absolve Blake.

 

[kingsboy11]

I genuinely have no idea where they think they are going with this. I like Hiller just fine, but they keep touting his record after he got hired, but we had one of the easier schedules down the stretch and got blown up by the Oilers in 5 (Which was not right there Luc).

Eric Stephens Athletic article sums up my thoughts pretty well if anyone wants to check it out.
Stephens: Anyone feeling inspired by the Kings' choice of Jim Hiller?

 

[David Lunch]

I genuinely have no idea where they think they are going with this. I like Hiller just fine, but they keep touting his record after he got hired, but we had one of the easier schedules down the stretch and got blown up by the Oilers in 5 (Which was not right there Luc).

Eric Stephens Athletic article sums up my thoughts pretty well if anyone wants to check it out.
Stephens: Anyone feeling inspired by the Kings' choice of Jim Hiller?

I’ve been very impressed with Stephen’s articles since the TM-led January skid. I’m glad he’s not pulling any punches in his articles, and hopefully AEG starts listening.

 

[Little Psycho]

He couldn’t even fix the power play, you want him to fix the system?!

 

[Sol]

I don’t know how some of you are actually fine with Hiller being HC. If he’s head coach that means that he’s not really head coach. They needed a real coach who was going to make the team play the best they can with what they have. They got Hiller who seems to have zero spine playing a style that he has apparently no say over and if he does have a say, then he’s a f***ing idiot too.

 

[theMajor]

He couldn’t even fix the power play, you want him to fix the system?!

the PP % under Hiller (from when he was brought in as an assitant) has been the Kings best since like the 80'/s90's....

 

[Chazz Reinhold]

the PP % under Hiller (from when he was brought in as an assitant) has been the Kings best since like the 80'/s90's....

In an era where power play percentages have been increasing across the league. In 2013-14 there were 3 teams with power plays above 20%. This season there were 21 teams with power plays above 20%. (Not to mention the regression in 2023-24 from 2022-2023 and the 0 PP goals against Edmonton.)

 

[Telos]

I don’t know how some of you are actually fine with Hiller being HC. If he’s head coach that means that he’s not really head coach. They needed a real coach who was going to make the team play the best they can with what they have. They got Hiller who seems to have zero spine playing a style that he has apparently no say over and if he does have a say, then he’s a f***ing idiot too.

I think it is more the apathy that the head coach doesn't matter when Blake and Luc are in charge, everything else remains the same including the prospect development system, and we are going to keep trying to maintain the same team system of play or philosophy per Blake, 1-3-1 or not they are going to try to be a defensive counterattacking team. There is too much manipulation for a coach to actually do anything or cause a change, nor would one capable of implementing such desired change take such a bullshit job or be hired by BLuc to go against their wishes and attempt to do so.

Nobody loves the hire, it just doesn't matter. Blake wants things to run the same way while being involved in the system of the team. No coach is going to tolerate that, and they aren't going to hire someone who doesn't and would go against that. The only possible hire is someone like Hiller who is just thankful to be there and will put up with whatever.

 

[theMajor]

In an era where power play percentages have been increasing across the league. (Not to mention the regression in 2023-24 from 2022-2023 and the 0 PP goals against Edmonton.)

Hiller joined the Kings as an assistant coach on July 19, 2022, after spending the previous eight seasons in the same capacity with the New York Islanders (2019-22), Toronto Maple Leafs (2015-19) and Detroit Red Wings (2014-15). Since Hiller joined the coaching staff, the Kings have scored 124 power-play goals, tied for the fifth-most in the league during that span, while the team’s power-play percentage has averaged 24.0% to place seventh among all teams. Under Hiller’s watch in his first season with the organization, the Kings tallied 68 power-play goals, the fourth-most in the league, while their power-play percentage finished the year at 25.3%, tied for the second-best in team history behind the 1979-80 team (26.8%).

Im curious to see how he will do with his own system

 

[Chazz Reinhold]

Im curious to see how he will do with his own system

See my edit above about power play percentages.

 

[Sol]

none of the PP PK stats matter when they face a likely continual figure in Edmonton for the foreseeable future. And 5v5 hocket was nonexistent.

I think it is more the apathy that the head coach doesn't matter when Blake and Luc are in charge, everything else remains the same including the prospect development system, and we are going to keep trying to maintain the same team system of play or philosophy per Blake, 1-3-1 or not they are going to try to be a defensive counterattacking team. There is too much manipulation for a coach to actually do anything or cause a change, nor would one capable of implementing such desired change take such a bullshit job or be hired by BLuc to go against their wishes and attempt to do so.

Nobody loves the hire, it just doesn't matter. Blake wants things to run the same way while being involved in the system of the team. No coach is going to tolerate that, and they aren't going to hire someone who doesn't and would go against that. The only possible hire is someone like Hiller who is just thankful to be there and will put up with whatever.

Apathy I can understand.

 

[theMajor]

See my edit above about power play percentages.

I dont really understand the point youre trying to make, the league is becoming more and more skilled so the relative % is expected to go up over time, right? prior to Hiller, the Kings were ranked 27th, 19th, 26th, 27th, 17th, and so on....you get the idea. he has absolutely made a difference in LA

 

[AbsentMojo]

Im curious to see how he will do with his own system

The system wont matter if the personnel stays the same. DD and Kopi dont one touch passes, they slow things down too much. You cant have both of them on there.. id prefer if DD was demoted but he wont be

 

[tny760]

i'm not too hot on tooting the regular season stats when we all knew the demons needed to be exorcised in the 1st round and well, the special teams were decimated with no adjustment