The Los Angeles Kings’ inability to get past the Edmonton Oilers is leading to a change in management.
The Kings announced Monday that the team and general manager Rob Blake mutually agreed to part ways.
‘On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Rob for his dedication to the LA Kings and the passion he brought to his role,’ team president Luc Robitaille said in a statement. ‘Reaching this understanding wasn’t easy and I appreciate Rob’s partnership in always working toward what is best for the Kings. Rob deserves a great deal of credit and respect for elevating us to where we are today. He has been an important part of the Kings and will always be appreciated for what he has meant to this franchise.’
The Oilers have knocked out the Kings four years in a row in the first round. This year seemed the best chance to end that futility because the Kings tied franchise records with 48 wins and 105 points, and Darcy Kuemper was a Vezina Trophy finalist. The Kings had home advantage this year and won Games 1 and 2 before things imploded.
In Game 3, coach Jim Hiller’s challenge of the Oilers’ tying goal was rejected and Los Angeles received a delay of game penalty. The Oilers scored 10 seconds into the power play for the go-ahead goal and eventual win.
The Kings then blew a 3-1 lead in the third period of Game 4 for an overtime loss. Edmonton won Games 5 and 6 to advance.
Los Angeles hasn’t announced a decision on the future of Hiller. He was in his first full season as head coach after being named interim coach last season following the firing of Todd McLellan.
Blake, a Hall of Famer and former Kings star, had been general manager since 2017. The team went 309-238-71 and made the playoffs five times in eight seasons but never made it out of the first round. His 2023 trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois didn’t pan out, though the forward was later moved for Kuemper.
Robitaille said the search for a new general manager will begin immediately. The Islanders are also looking for a GM after not renewing Lou Lamoriello’s contract.