Los Angeles Kings shock everyone with a last-minute healthy scratch for 30-goal scorer
The Los Angeles Kings have made a last-minute shocking decision healthy scratching former first round draft pick and 30-goal scorer Kevin Fiala against the San Jose Sharks.
The Kings have been one of the NHL's most penalized teams through their first nine games & head coach Jim Hiller has had enough. Following a season high of seven penalties on Thursday Hiller made it clear that players who can't stay disciplined would start losing ice time.
We got an early example of this on Saturday against Utah when Kevin Fiala who took two penalties in the offensive zone saw his ice time drop sharply. His first penalty canceled out a power play & after his second he was benched after Utah scored on the power play. He didn't touch the ice again finishing with 10:12 of ice time which is his second lowest as a King only lower when he was injured in his first season.
Hiller's decision sent a strong message that if you can't stay disciplined you'll be benched no matter who you are.
"We're taking too many penalties, that's clear," said Hiller. "When they're showing up more than once or twice or three times, then the coach has to do something.
Known for his offensive potential despite a tendency for penalties Fiala has been slow to find his rhythm with only seven points in nine games & just two of those points coming at five on five. Additionally he's been on the ice for three goals for & seven against which is the second worst on the team.
It's too soon to panic or make drastic decisions on Fiala's usage but with his offensive production down his tendency for penalties is becoming harder to overlook.
