NHL On Tap: Smith to debut as Kings coach against Avalanche D.J. Smith will make his coaching debut with the Los Angeles Kings on Monday as interim head coach, replacing Jim Hiller. Smith, who previously served as an associate coach under Hiller, takes over a team with a 24-21-14 record. His first game will be against the Colorado Avalanche, the league’s top team with a 39-10-9 record, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. General manager Ken Holland stated the decision was made to “position this team for success now and moving forward,” emphasizing the need for leadership changes to maximize the team’s potential. The Dallas Stars, currently on an eight-game winning streak, aim to extend their dominance when they face the Vancouver Canucks. The Stars, who defeated the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime Saturday, have tied the Dallas/Minnesota North Stars’ record for consecutive wins set in 2023-24. Despite key players like Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Tyler Seguin being sidelined, Jason Robertson has led the team with 68 points (33 goals, 35 assists) this season, just one behind Rantanen for the team lead. Zach Werenski continues his impressive run for the Columbus Blue Jackets, contributing to a nine-game point streak with two goals and 11 assists. The defenseman’s performance has helped the Blue Jackets (29-21-8) climb in the playoff race, currently five points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card in the East. Werenski’s upcoming game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden will test his ability to extend his streak, which is already an NHL career high and the longest for a Blue Jackets defenseman. The Toronto Maple Leafs, tied for the fewest points in the Eastern Conference, face the Philadelphia Flyers in their final home game before the NHL Trade Deadline.#los_angeles_kings #colorado_avalanche #dj_smith #ken_holland #dallas_stars
