Veteran manager Rob Blake relinquishes position following latest elimination in postseason play.
Scuttlebutt: Kings Part ways with GM Blake after Playoff Heartbreak
Rob Blake, General Manager of the L.A. Kings, is moving on, following a devastating playoff defeat to the Oilers. The split comes after their fourth consecutive first-round loss.
President Luc Robitaille expressed gratitude to Blake, praising his dedication and the passion he brought to the role in a statement. The team has started its search for a new General Manager immediately.
Coach Jim Hiller is in limbo, with no discussions about his future yet with Robitaille. Hiller, who has been with the Kings since taking over midway through the 2023-24 season, signed a three-year contract last May.
The playoff series against nemesis Edmonton showed promise for the Kings, but some blunders gave the Oilers the series victory.
Kings' Unfortunate Pattern
The Kings' underperformance against the Oilers seems alarmingly familiar, unraveling due to a series of strategic missteps and Edmonton's firepower.
In their recent playoff matchups, the Oilers have thoroughly outscored the Kings[1][3], exhibiting dynamic offensive prowess that has outmaneuvered defensive schemes. McDavid and Draisaitl, in particular, have shone when it matters most[1][3].
Between the Pipes
Goaltenders for the Kings have shown flashes of brilliance but lack consistency in crunch time[1][3]. Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner has been the standout netminder in crucial moments[1], hindering Kings’ advancement.
Offensive Imbalance
The Kings' offensive relies heavily on key forwards such as Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar[3], while depth scoring falters. The Oilers, conversely, boast a balanced attack, exemplified by Zach Hyman's impressive seven-goal series in 2024[1].
Historical Rivalry
The Kings face formidable opposition in Edmonton, having lost eight of ten all-time playoff series against them, including six straight since 1989[2][3]. Familiarity with Kings' systems, coupled with superior special teams, has hampered Blake's roster adjustments[2][3].
Despite earning home-ice advantage in 2025[2], the Kings have struggled to find a winning formula against Edmonton's swift transition game[2][3].
Blake's leadership has seen incremental improvements, but Edmonton's elite core and tactical execution continue to expose vulnerabilities in Los Angeles' playoff readiness[1][3][4].
California-based Kings exit playoffs once again, falling to Oilers for the fourth consecutive first-round loss.
Los Angeles' General Manager, Rob Blake, was praised by President Luc Robitaille for his dedication and passion, but his tenure ended following the disappointing defeat.
In comparison to the Oilers' dynamic offensive prowess, the Kings' goaltenders have struggled with consistency, particularly in crunch time.
Unlike the depth scoring of Edmonton, exemplified by Zach Hyman's seven-goal series, the Kings rely heavily on key forwards such as Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar.
The rivalry between the Kings and Oilers, marked by eight of ten all-time playoff series losses for the Kings, continues to be a challenge, with the Kings yet to find a winning formula against Edmonton's swift transition game.
