Leaked messages between an Edmonton Oiler and NHL referee surface and controversy is drawn

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Skyler Walker
November 21, 2023 (1:53 PM)

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Edmonton Oilers Face Uphill Battle Amidst Struggling Season

The Edmonton Oilers are grappling with challenges in the ongoing season, straying significantly from their initial expectations of being favours to win the Stanley Cup, yes, you read that correctly... Sporting a 5-11-1 record, the team has encountered setbacks, dropping their last two games despite a coaching shakeup earlier this month.

The abrupt replacement of head coach Jay Woodcroft and the waive of starting goalie Jack Campbell followed the franchise's worst start in history. However, the anticipated improvements have yet to materialize, casting doubt on when the team's luck might take a positive turn.

In the recent clash against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers endured a 5-3 loss, despite an impressive two-goal performance from Captain Connor McDavid. Post-game, McDavid faced inquiries from the media, including an unconventional question from Oilers Sportsnet reporter Mark Spector, who's known to stir the pot with controversy.

Essentially, the question raised doubts about McDavid's preference between a 4-1 victory and a 5-3 loss. This line of questioning drew criticism, with many questioning its relevance. Fans and the online media community didn't hold back, deeming Spector's question as another cringe-worthy moment in his career.

Taking the critique up a notch, former NHL referee turned media personality Tim Peel chose to privately admonish Spector on Twitter, subsequently sharing the exchange publicly. Peel posted screenshots of their conversation, expressing his displeasure with Spector's question.

He hinted that incidents like these might make some players hesitant to play in Canada. Peel's caption read:

"This is what happens when you call out an Edmonton reporter for asking Connor McDavid if he'd rather win 4-1. An idiotic question, of course, they would. This is why some players don't want to play in Canada. Connor played his ass off tonight!"

Will the Oilers bounce back from this awful start to the season, or will they continue to tank with a below .500% winning record?