In a tense lead-up to the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers are facing a significant challenge as defenceman Darnell Nurse is set to have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety tonight. This comes after Nurse was ejected from Monday's game against the Los Angeles Kings for a dangerous cross-check on Kings forward Quinton Byfield during a 5-0 loss.
The incident occurred midway through the second period, specifically at the 14:36 mark. Nurse was penalized with a five-minute major and a game misconduct after he not only cross-checked Byfield high but also drove him to the ice and followed up with another cross-check to the back of his head while Byfield was down. The Kings forward left the game and did not return, later being placed in concussion protocol.
As the Oilers prepare for their final regular-season game against the San Jose Sharks, the implications of Nurse's potential suspension loom large. With only one game left in the season, any suspension longer than one game would extend into the playoffs, where the Oilers are set to face the Kings for the fourth consecutive year.
Currently, the Oilers are already grappling with a slew of injuries. They are without key players like Mattias Ekholm, who will miss the entire first round of the playoffs, and Jake Walman and Troy Stecher, both of whom are also sidelined. The need for Nurse's presence in the lineup is critical if the Oilers hope to make a deep playoff run.
Historically, Nurse has faced disciplinary actions before; he has been suspended twice in his career, both times for fighting. His first suspension came in 2016 when he missed three games for acting as the aggressor in a fight. More recently, during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nurse was suspended for one game after instigating a fight late in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
The stakes are high for the Oilers as they navigate this situation. If Nurse receives a one-game suspension, he would be eligible to return for Game 1 of the playoffs. However, if the Department of Player Safety decides on a harsher penalty, it could severely impact the Oilers’ chances against a formidable Kings team that has already clinched second place in the Pacific Division.
During a second intermission interview following the game, Kings forward Phillip Danault criticized the Oilers' approach, stating, "I think they just have their B squad in trying to hurt us." This comment highlights the growing tension between the two teams as they prepare to meet again in the playoffs. Oilers forward Corey Perry countered this assertion, emphasizing the challenges the team has faced with injuries, stating, "What do you want us to do? Have you not looked at what's happening to us the past couple of weeks?... We're not out there to hurt anybody."
The game itself was a chippy affair, with a total of 69 penalty minutes assessed to both teams combined. The Kings capitalized on their opportunities, with Byfield scoring a power-play goal in the first period, contributing to a dominant performance that saw them control the game.
As the Oilers look to finalize their roster ahead of the playoffs, they may need to call up a player from the minors if Nurse is suspended for more than one game, especially if Stecher or Walman remains unavailable. The Oilers' depth will be tested as they aim to recover from this latest setback.
In the meantime, the focus will be on Nurse's hearing and the league's decision. With the playoffs just around the corner, every moment counts, and the Oilers will need all hands on deck to compete effectively against the Kings.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the outcome of the hearing and its implications for the Oilers' playoff aspirations. The team has a history of success against the Kings in the playoffs, having emerged victorious in their last three matchups. However, with injuries and potential suspensions, this year's series promises to be a challenging battle.
The Oilers' final regular-season game against the Sharks on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, will serve as a crucial tune-up before the intensity of the playoffs begins. With the stakes rising, the Oilers will need to rally together and find a way to overcome the obstacles in their path.
