Jack Eichel Lays Dangerous Check on Mattias Ekholm, and Oilers Erupt in Response
Moments ago in today's Game between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights, Jack Eichel laid a hit from behind on Mattias Ekholm that caused a major stir in Rogers Place.
With just a few minutes left in the second period, Eichel laid his stick across the number on Ekholm's jersey and drove him into the boards.
Oilers players and fans erupted in response as every player on the ice gathered for a scrum in the corner.
Ekholm was down on the ice for a moment and Evan Bouchard was first into the corner to grab a Golden Knight, and the rest of the Oilers followed suit. Thankfully, Ekholm got up and looked fine, while beginning to fire back Eichel verbally for the play.
Oilers Respond to Jack Eichel Crosscheck Against Mattias Ekholm and No Penalty Call
Eichel's hit was a textbook hit from behind and it's truly shocking it wasn't called a penalty at all. Everyone knows, down to kids in minor hockey that see the stop sign on jerseys, that hits from behind are against the code.
Oilers fans in the arena were relentlessly booing the referees for the decision, and plenty of fans and media chimed in with their shock about the non-call as well.
The NHL's officiating has become so inconsistent and indecipherable that it's often on the players to truly control the game themselves.
The Oilers haven't been one of the more physical teams in recent years, and didn't respond after Evan Bouchard was the victim of a dirty hit. It's good to see them stand up for Ekholm this time.
Today's day game against the Golden Knights is shaping up to be an incredible performance for the Oilers. They got up up to a 5 goal lead, and now just need to hang on for the win.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 14 | 174 ANSWERS Jack Eichel Lays Dangerous Check on Mattias Ekholm, and Oilers Erupt in Response Do you think Eichel should've got a penalty for this hit on Ekholm? | ||
| Yes | 162 | 93.1 % |
| No | 8 | 4.6 % |
| See Results | 4 | 2.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
