While the Kings — once again — pushed hard to start Game 4, the Oilers flipped the script in the third period, as two Bouchard goals would force overtime where Edmonton absolutely dogged the Kings. Continuing to be stubborn in his usage, Hiller kept loading up the minutes and the Oilers were able to take advantage of it, rolling four lines and outright dominating

It forced L.A. into a huge mistake when in that overtime frame, Vladislav Gavrikov tripped McDavid, allowing Draisaitl to ice the game on the man advantage.

After the game, Hiller put himself in the spot light again, snapping at a reporter who very fairly asked him about the team blowing leads.

Reporter: How do you change your approach in the third period to better close out games?

Hiller: How do I change it? *scoffs* Next question, please. We’re that far away at the empty net. Q chips that out, Bouchard makes a good play, we’re not even talking about this, so… How about that?

Reporter: Sentiment in the room was that the first 40 minutes… —

Hiller: That’s your favourite question too, by the way. Maybe you got some ideas for me.

…

Hiller began to come unhinged at this point, stubborn in his usage and stern in his beliefs that the Kings didn’t need to change anything. The arrogance of refusing to change his tune helped nobody and by the time Game 5 rolled around you could really see the heavy minutes wearing on the Kings’ big guns.

…

The Kings over exuberance early in the series and Hiller’s poor usage sent the Kings golfing for the fourth straight year. And now the franchise reaches a serious infection point.

This squad was handcrafted to beat the Oilers. As pointed out by Kings outlet Mayor’s Manor, they: had a Vezina nominated goaltender and a power play that clicked at a stunning 40 percent rate, home ice advantage and the most minutes led in the first round, pending Friday’s game, but none of that matter because the Oilers simply found a way.

What will come of it in Los Angeles is hard to say, but one has to wonder how hot the seat is for general manager Rob Blake, who now finished up his eighth season at the helm, and what it means for Hiller, too.