HIGHLIGHTS
- Darnell Nurse was given a game misconduct against the LA Kings on Monday
- The Edmonton Oilers veteran shoved Quentin Byfield’s head into the ice
- Read more for the full story
Monday night’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings was a preview of the first round of the playoffs, and it couldn’t have gone worse for last season’s Stanley Cup finalists.
Not only did the Oilers lose 5-0 to their Pacific Division rivals, but veteran defenceman Darnell Nurse was also given a game misconduct and major penalty in the second period for this dirty cross-check on Quinton Byfield.
Brutal. First, Nurse purposely took down Byfield then gave him another unnecessary shot to the head. That could definitely cost Nurse a suspension, which is far from ideal with the playoffs right around the corner. Byfield initially stayed in the contest but exited in the second intermission.
The Oilers have been banged up as it is. Leon Draisaitl has dealt with health issues in recent weeks, while Connor McDavid just returned from injury and got the night off Monday. Mattias Ekholm also just suffered another injury and could miss a portion of the playoffs.
On top of that, Trent Frederic, John Klingberg, Jake Walman, and Evander Kane are dealing with injuries. The Oilers had to finish the game with only five defencemen while dressing one less forward.
While Edmonton is hoping to make another run to the Finals, it won’t be easy when they’re so shorthanded. Nurse is a key piece but it remains to be seen how much time he could miss after letting his emotions get the best of him.
The Oilers finish their regular season on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks.
