The LA Kings won't change their defense-first philosophy with new coach Jim Hiller in charge

Jim Hiller is sticking to the hard-nosed, defense-first philosophy that got the Los Angeles Kings to the first round of the playoffs — and no farther — in each of the past three seasons. General manager Rob Blake introduced Hiller as the Kings' permanent head coach Thursday, retaining the former Kings assistant who took over for the fired Todd McLellan in February and led Los Angeles to its third consecutive third-place finish in the Pacific Division and third straight early postseason ouster. “Where Jim always seemed to come to the top was in the aspect that we’ve had time together,” Blake said.