Edmonton Oilers phenom Connor McDavid took issue with a slash on teammate Leon Draisaitl by Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietrangelo Wednesday. The Oilers went on to win Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinal 4-1, tying the series.
Talking to reporters after the game, McDavid argued that the hit, which resulted in Pietrangelo’s ejection, did not constitute a competitive play. Draisaitl was attempting to score on an empty net when the Golden Knights’ defender slashed him.
“You would like to see it reviewed for sure. I’d like to see it suspended,” McDavid said after the game. “It was as intent to injure as you can get. That was not a hockey play.”
Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft echoed McDavid’s feelings about the play but did not recommend a course of action.
“If you’re asking my opinion on that play, I would not define it as a hockey play,” Woodcraft added. “And I’ll leave it at that.”
McDavid and Draisaitl form the most formidable duo in hockey, as the generational young talent and more seasoned left-wing have led Edmonton to form one of the most explosive offenses in hockey. A hit on Draisaitl late in the game could have kneecapped the Oilers’ efforts as the series wears on. The German star currently has 13 goals in the playoffs, on pace to break the all-time record for goals in a postseason.
If Pietrangelo is suspended, he will join Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse, who was suspended for one game after receiving an instigator penalty in the final five minutes of the game. Woodcroft questioned the penalty as well as the suspension, which can be overturned.
“I saw the play going on, I saw Darnell wrap somebody up and I saw their player with his gloves off first,” Woodcroft said. “So to me, that’s two willing combatants. It’s not like someone was turtled up into a ball.”
Tied 2-2 after four games, the Oilers and Golden Knights have traded blowout wins throughout the series and could continue to engage in offense-driven battles going forward.
