The hockey world was abuzz recently as controversy erupted over accusations of a dirty play by Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers’ star forward.
Following a game where McDavid was involved in a contentious incident, critics labeled his actions as unsportsmanlike and called for consequences.
The incident in question occurred during a crucial match, where McDavid was accused of a reckless maneuver that endangered an opposing player. This sparked immediate backlash from fans, analysts, and even some within the league, who condemned the alleged dirty play and demanded accountability.
In response to the outcry, a petition was swiftly filed by outraged fans, demanding a replay of the game or at least a review of McDavid’s conduct by the league officials. The petition highlighted the seriousness with which fans and stakeholders view fair play and player safety in hockey.
Critics argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the game and set a dangerous precedent for future matches. They called for transparency and swift action from league officials to address the controversy and uphold the sport’s principles of fairness and respect.
Wild call out Oilers’ McDavid for unpenalized elbow.
Wild’s Johansson shaken up after taking elbow from McDavid
Connor McDavid may have finished Wednesday’s game with two goals and an assist, but ask some of the Minnesota Wild and they’ll say he should have finished with a few extra penalty minutes as well.
The Edmonton Oilers captain got away with a stray elbow at the end of the second period that injured Wild forward Marcus Johansson, who did not return to the game with an upper-body injury. Teammate Jake Middleton didn’t mince words when asked about the chicken-wing that sidelined the second-line winger in a tied game.
“It’s horse—-,” the defenceman complained, per Michael Russo of The Athletic. Middleton also claims that if that elbow had been made by teammates Ryan Hartman or Marcus Foligno, the outcome would have been different. “I don’t care if it’s the best player in the world.”
McDavid has received one suspension in the NHL — two games in 2019 — and has been fined on multiple occasions.
Wild have strong words after apparent elbow by Oilers’ McDavid
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes and defenceman Jake Middleton share their thoughts on a play against the Edmonton Oilers where Connor McDavid appeared to extend his elbow to clip Marcus Johansson, resulting in Johansson leaving the game.
Fellow Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek was also asked about the collision post-game and said he didn’t see it, but asked on-ice officials what happened. Per Eriksson Ek, the referees told him that Johansson’s own stick caught him in the face, though video replays clearly show McDavid’s elbow making contact with the side of Johansson’s face.
Head coach John Hynes seemed to receive a similar explanation from officials and voiced his displeasure about that to reporters following the game.
“I don’t even want to go down that road because it would probably infuriate you more than it infuriates me right now, so I’m just going to bypass that. Similar to the other game, not a good answer. Let me put it that way.”
McDavid went on to score the Oilers’ fifth goal midway through the third to seal the win, marking his 1,044th point and passing Jari Kurri on the Oilers’ all-time point leader list.
The Oilers won the game 5-3.
