The Los Angeles Kings appeared to have things in complete control in the third period on Sunday, April 27, in Game 4 against the Edmonton Oilers.
They had a 3-1 lead in the final frame with a chance to take a 3-1 series lead if they could have held on. However, the Oilers had other ideas; they scored twice to knot the score at 3-3, including the tying goal from defenseman Evan Bouchard with under 60 seconds remaining after Quinton Byfield failed to clear the zone.
After a controversial penalty call on Vladislav Gavrikov that most Kings fans believe was a dive from Connor McDavid, the Oilers tied the series thanks to Leon Draisaitl’s overtime-winning goal.
Kings Fans React After Overtime Loss vs. Oilers in Game 4
Following the startling loss, Kings fans all over social media were directing their anger not only at what they felt was embellishment from McDavid on the fateful overtime penalty but at Kings coach Jim Hiller.
This fan kept things simple with his response, saying, “Leave Hiller there. Lord knows he loves staying back.”
Leave Hiller there. Lord knows he loves staying back.
— Sam D (@Sammy_GD) April 28, 2025
Another fan ripped his lineup decisions, saying, “Fire Hiller. I’m over it. He doesn’t trust everyone on his team. You can’t win a playoff game when you’re only running 9 forwards and 5 defensemen.”
A profane response from this fan read, “F*** Hiller he’s cost us 2 strait and there’s no coming back from his s*** shows.”
A lengthier critique from a Kings fan on Hiller read, “This is on Hiller. He’s paying way too much respect to Edmonton with how he’s coached the 3rd period’s. This should be a sweep and frankly they’re lucky they didn’t blow game 1. The Kings are better 1-23. Start believing in your team.”
This is on Hiller. He’s paying way too much respect to Edmonton with how he’s coached the 3rd period’s. This should be a sweep and frankly they’re lucky they didn’t blow game 1. The Kings are better 1-23. Start believing in your team.
— trburns826 (@trburns826) April 28, 2025
Additionally, this fan blasted the entire team as a whole, saying, “Absolutely embarrassing… How are we supposed to have belief in a team who just rolls over and dies game after game?”
Finally, this fan blasted Hiller’s defensive scheme in the third period, saying, “Tell Hiller to play some offense in the 3rd instead of calling prevent D lol. Horrible coaching.”
Kings Coach Jim Hiller Got Testy With a Reporter
Understandably not in the best of moods after the damaging loss, Kings coach Jim Hiller got a bit testy with a reporter who asked him how he felt about his club blowing leads.
“How do I change it? Next question, please,” he said. “We’re that far away at the empty net. Q [Quinton Byfield] chips that out, Bouchard makes a good play, we’re not even talking about this, so, how about that?”
“That’s your favourite question too, by the way,” he said. “Maybe you got some ideas for me.”
The Kings and Oilers are now in a best-of-three situation with Game 5 on Tuesday, April 29.