Perhaps the final regular-season meeting between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers would be the last memory from any other hockey game. Because it was a statement, some star names from Edmonton were missing, and the history of postseason battles simmered during Monday night, presaging what apparently will be a glacier-first-round series for a straight time for both teams preparing for playoffs.
Phillip Danault on intent as Darnell Nurse in the middle of the fracas
Well, it was a 5-0 Kings win, but the major story of the day resides with a major incident involving Darnell Nurse of the Oilers. As time expired in the second period, Nurse cross-checked Kings forward Quinton Byfield in the back of the head after a scramble in front of the net which resulted in a major penalty and a game misconduct. Byfield was out for the third period, inaccessible due to an upper-body injury, and hostilities intensified between the two teams.
Phillip Danault, an alternate captain for Los Angeles, did not shrink from verbal flying while reflecting on the Oilers' attitude. He linked empty Edmonton ranks to what he perceived as 'reckless play,' taking mind that they're just looking to send a message but not competing. The Oilers, featuring stars such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and others missing, could not keep themselves disciplined, resulting in 53 penalty minutes that triple that of the Kings.
Corey Perry tried his best to take Danault's accusation on himself, defending the position of the Oilers and also downplaying the intent behind whatever physicality it was. Edmonton had more to worry regarding their injuries already and would not bother much about the loss and would rather look to the playoffs ahead, a confidence interior they had reason to trust was not seedy. In the last three post-past encounters, the Oilers eliminated the Kings.
Kings absorbed the momentum because they dominated the regular season, winning three of four engagements and having the Oilers be outscored by just four goals across those matches. Home-ice advantage had it secured for Los Angeles, as well, with possible psychological shifts leaning toward it this time.
Also Read: Gary Bettman's Scheduling Dilemma: Calls to Shorten NHL Season Before Playoffs Starts Rolling
With its postseason record, personal pride, and the growing tension fueling it, this rivalry promises to offer an extremely intense opening-round battle; in fact, the faceoff was pretty solid. Whether Phillip Danault's call-out or Darnell Nurse's actions linger into the series remains to be seen-but one thing is certain: the fire has already been sparked.
Phillip Danault on intent as Darnell Nurse in the middle of the fracas
Well, it was a 5-0 Kings win, but the major story of the day resides with a major incident involving Darnell Nurse of the Oilers. As time expired in the second period, Nurse cross-checked Kings forward Quinton Byfield in the back of the head after a scramble in front of the net which resulted in a major penalty and a game misconduct. Byfield was out for the third period, inaccessible due to an upper-body injury, and hostilities intensified between the two teams.
Phillip Danault, an alternate captain for Los Angeles, did not shrink from verbal flying while reflecting on the Oilers' attitude. He linked empty Edmonton ranks to what he perceived as 'reckless play,' taking mind that they're just looking to send a message but not competing. The Oilers, featuring stars such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and others missing, could not keep themselves disciplined, resulting in 53 penalty minutes that triple that of the Kings.
Corey Perry tried his best to take Danault's accusation on himself, defending the position of the Oilers and also downplaying the intent behind whatever physicality it was. Edmonton had more to worry regarding their injuries already and would not bother much about the loss and would rather look to the playoffs ahead, a confidence interior they had reason to trust was not seedy. In the last three post-past encounters, the Oilers eliminated the Kings.
Kings absorbed the momentum because they dominated the regular season, winning three of four engagements and having the Oilers be outscored by just four goals across those matches. Home-ice advantage had it secured for Los Angeles, as well, with possible psychological shifts leaning toward it this time.
Also Read: Gary Bettman's Scheduling Dilemma: Calls to Shorten NHL Season Before Playoffs Starts Rolling
With its postseason record, personal pride, and the growing tension fueling it, this rivalry promises to offer an extremely intense opening-round battle; in fact, the faceoff was pretty solid. Whether Phillip Danault's call-out or Darnell Nurse's actions linger into the series remains to be seen-but one thing is certain: the fire has already been sparked.
You may also like
No relief for Sean Diddy, Indian-origin judge Arun Subramanian says trial will begin on May 5, no delay
Bengal governor meets Murshidabad violence victims, NCW flags molestation claims: Top developments
As trade deficit mounts, China says ready to import more premium goods from India; Envoy seeks fair environment for Chinese firms
MP: 2 cheetahs to be shifted from Kuno to Gandhi Sagar sanctuary
'She left fantastic impression': Trump praises Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's US visit
