What Happened
During a 5-4 victory for the Anaheim Ducks, defenceman Drew Helleson delivered a hit to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid that drove him into the goalpost early in the game. In immediate retaliation, Oilers winger Vasily Podkolzin engaged Helleson, resulting in a game misconduct for instigation. McDavid later stated that he expected a response to the dangerous play, while head coach Mike Babcock challenged the legality of the initial crosscheck.
Key Details
- Ducks won the game 5-4.
- Helleson drove McDavid into the goalpost.
- Podkolzin received a game misconduct for instigation.
- Babcock questioned if crosschecking into the net is legal.
- McDavid said a response was expected after the hit.
What It Means
The incident highlights ongoing debates regarding player safety and the enforcement of rules regarding hits into the boards. The ejection of Podkolzin for retaliating against a perceived dangerous hit sparked immediate criticism from Oilers leadership, suggesting a potential friction point in officiating standards.
What's Next
The Oilers will look to respond in their next scheduled matchup, while the league may review the play if further complaints are filed regarding the initial hit.