While Luc Robitaille did say when they began the search for the next general manager that whoever they selected would have the chance to decide if Jim Hiller was the right fit to remain as the Kings' head coach. The selection of Ken Holland could be good news for Hiller, as the two have previously worked together.
While it was only one season, Hiller was an assistant head coach for the Detroit Red Wings for the 2014-15 season while Holland was general manager for the franchise. That would be Mike Babcock's last season as head coach of the Red Wings after their season ended in the first round to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Is Jim Hiller the right coach to deliver a Stanley Cup for the Los Angeles Kings?
The focus is clear for the Los Angeles Kings as they believe they are close to winning a Stanley Cup and need an experienced general manager like Ken Holland to get them over the hump. However, there is one looming question about whether or not Hiller can deliver for this team, especially with how the playoffs went.
The results speak for themselves during the regular season as the Kings were very successful with one of the best home records and would tie the franchise record for points in a season at 105. Unfortunately, Hiller looked outmatched during the playoffs, and that has to be the concern for the Kings.
The Kings had home ice advantage and capitalized on that to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the series. However, collapses in the third period of Game 3 and Game 4 swung momentum back to the Oilers and questionable lineup decisions only magnified the struggles the Kings had.
It certainly is a risk because the Kings and Holland won't get the answer until the end of next season and if this team looks better in another playoff run. The challenge is that there is no guarantee that replacing him will answer that question and the way the regular season went should be enough to give Holland the rest of the front office confidence to stick with Hiller.