KOTP Ep.180 -- Goodbye McLellan, Hello Hiller

DB in Edmonton, The Mayor home in LA....They discuss the LA Kings' performance in game one of the playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers. They analyze the Kings' defensive struggles, lack of physicality, and the need for a change in the goaltending. They also touch on the upcoming AHL Calder Cup playoffs and the Ontario Reign's chances. The conversation includes a discussion on the Kings' overage amount for next year and the bonuses earned by Quinton Byfield. Also covered are various topics related to the Stanley Cup playoffs, including the performance, the surprises in the playoffs, and the potential return of Todd McClellan as the head coach of the San Jose Sharks. Sound bites:"Was the game closer than it may have appeared?""If they killed off the penalty and got a goal, make it 4-3 in the third, they would have had a shot.""I would put Riddick in the net for game two.""Dubois has to more than show up. He's got to be an impact player."You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

The last regular season game brings the last regular season episode of KOTP! The guys discuss:Eastern Conference SC Playoffs matchupsThe usage of Carl Grundstrom. Akil Thomas and Alex Turcotte for the post-seasonThe annual LAK media awards A farewell to Jeff Carter You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

As the final four games of the LAK regular season approaches, prospect Ryan Conmy joins the Mayor for a 1-on-1.Some nights they're Kings, others Kongs. DB and The Mayor discuss LAK's inconsistent play down the stretch. Also:Speculation about the Arizona Coyotes potentially relocating to Utah, but the situation is still uncertain.Talk of a second NHL team in Toronto, but the details are unclear.Importance for the Kings to win games and build momentum heading into the playoffs.Concerns about the team's chemistry and the need for certain players to step up.The Royal Army, a group of dedicated Kings fans, is recognized for their support.You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

Bullet points for Episode 186:The LA Kings have been inconsistent in their recent games, showing both strong performances and disappointing losses.The team has struggled to hold leads, which has cost them valuable points in close games.Improvement in five-on-five play is crucial for the team's success, as they cannot solely rely on their power play.Lineup changes may be necessary to address issues and improve performance.Updates on injured players, including Phil Danault, suggesting a potential return to the lineup.The team's playoff chances depend on finishing strong in the remaining games and taking advantage of their favorable schedule. Building momentum is crucial for the LA Kings as they approach the playoffs.The 1-3-1 has been a topic of debate, but it is not the sole determinant of a team's success.Martin Chromiak is still developing and it is uncertain if he will become an NHL player for the Kings.Leadership can come from various positions on the team, not just the goaltender.The next core group of players for the Kings will be unique and different from the previous core four.Sound bites:"They saved their worst performance of the year for game 73.""Need more of a shooting mindset than just  from Viktor Arvidsson.""Gonna go five and three and they're just gonna make the playoffs by a couple of points.""You can't just win it on paper. It's there for the taking.""Stop scoreboard watching. Stop worrying about everybody else.""You want a more rested goaltender for the playoffs."You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

In this Episode 185,  with DB in Canada the guys discuss the recent games of the LA Kings and the impressive performances of certain players. They talk about the physicality of the games and the importance of winning against tough opponents. The conversation touches on the potential re-signing of Trevor Lewis and the upcoming decisions the Kings will have to make regarding their roster and salary cap. Overall, the Kings have been playing better at home and are looking to continue their success on the road. They talk about the potential milestone of Trevor Lewis reaching 1000 games played in his career and also discuss the Kings' recent winning streak and their chances in the  playoffs. They analyze upcoming games against the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets and also mention the three Kings prospects playing in the college hockey playoffs and the AHL player of the week, Akil Thomas. The conversation ends with a discussion about the NHL playoffs and the excitement of playoff season.You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

In this episode, John and Dennis discuss various topics including the Team USA hockey players, the GM meetings, proposed changes to the game, and the Amazon behind-the-scenes series. They also analyze Victor Arvidsson's return, potential line combinations and provide a recap of the Kings' recent games. Also discussed -- the Washington Capitals' playoff chances and the possibility of expanding the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a preview of the upcoming homestand against Chicago, Minnesota, and Tampa Bay, the use of 11 forwards and 7 defensemen plus updates on college hockey prospects and European leagues.DB has the Andreas Englund conversation and close with discusses the LA Kings' MVP and upcoming awards voting, and future plans.You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

In this episode, DB and The Mayor discuss their recent trips to Las Vegas and San Diego and share their experiences at concerts and reflect on the performances. They also discuss the passing of Ole Anderson and the impact he had on the wrestling industry. The guys provide updates on the NHL trade deadline, the signing of Aaron Dell and also announce an upcoming guest appearance on Puckdoku. The conversation continues with the team's goaltending situation and potential trades, the Kings' plans for Matt Roy and salary cap constraints, the challenges of managing the salary cap and signing Quinton Byfield.DB leads with the importance of peaking at the right time and playoff matchups, the debate about avoiding Edmonton in the playoffs and various playoff scenarios.Also covered:Brock Boeser's dominance against the KingsLA's lineup configuration and player usageThe impressive performance of Jacob MoverareThe return of injured players and salary cap considerationsThe conversation then turns to cap compliance and roster management. They discuss the need to create roster spots and the potential moves the team can make. The conversation also delves into waiver exemptions and the risk of losing players on waivers. They analyze the trade deadline, the possibility of trading Blake Lizotte. and emphasize that no major moves are expected and discuss upcoming games and the team's playoff outlook. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

In this episode, John and Dennis discuss the LA Kings' recent three-game homestand and the impact of injuries on the team. They also bid farewell to Helene Elliott, a Hall of Fame reporter who recently took a buyout from the LA Times. The conversation covers the team's performance in each game, including the slow start against Columbus, the tough matchup against Nashville, and the close victory over Anaheim. They also discuss the roster changes and potential defensive pairings for the upcoming games. The conversation also includes the performance of defenseman Brandt Clarke, upcoming games against Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, the team's recent hot streak, potential trade scenarios, the importance of Matt Roy to the defense, the impact of coaches Jim Hiller and DJ Smith. The episode concludes with a discussion of the transformation of Quinton Byfield, the evaluation of the Dubois-Vilardi trade, and the rumors surrounding Jonathan Quick. TakeawaysThe LA Kings had a mixed performance in their recent three-game homestand, picking up four out of six points.Viktor Arvidsson's injury and placement on LTIR will impact the team's lineup and offensive production.The matchup against Nashville has historically been challenging for the Kings.The victory over Anaheim was not as decisive as expected, raising concerns about the team's performance.The team is making roster changes and considering different defensive pairings to address the injuries and improve their gameplay. The Kings' recent hot streak has positioned them as one of the hottest teams in the Pacific Division.The upcoming games against Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver will be crucial in determining the Kings' position in the division.The performance of Clarke and potential trade scenarios involving Matt Roy are important factors to consider for the team's defense.You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

The guys discuss the successful coaching debut of Jim Hiller behind the LAK bench. DB congratulates a certain NFL fan base. The Mayor gives his take on how the impending return of Viktor Arvidsson affects the forward depth chart. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod

The guys discuss the departure of Todd McLellan after 4 1/2 seasons behind the LAK bench. DB discuss his adventures at the NHL All Star weekend in Toronto. The Mayor gives his thoughts on the expansion of the international hockey calendar. You can find us on X/Twitter at @kingsofthepod