D.J. Smith hopes to kickstart Kings vs. NHL-best Avalanche

The Los Angeles Kings will have a new coach behind the bench when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Monday night.

Jim Hiller was fired Sunday morning and replaced by D.J. Smith, who will try to kickstart a team that's just three points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference with 23 games remaining.

"At this point in the season, we believe a change in leadership is necessary to give our group the best opportunity to reach its potential and compete at the level we expect," Kings general manager Ken Holland said.