Oilers Defenceman Ty Emberson Drops the Gloves For Spirited Fight

Late in the first period, Emberson got tangled up in the corner boards with Predators forward Cole Smith. Emberson was more than willing to defend himself, and dropped the gloves for a spirited tilt against the veteran forward.

Smith has five years and 2 inches of height on Emberson, who was clearly the more inexperienced fighter of the pair. Still, Emberson was able to land a few quality punches early on, and held his own in the battle until Smith fell down to the ice.

Emberson came to the Oilers with plenty of hype that he could have a breakout season this year. He hasn't quite been able to routinely handle top four minutes off the bat, but he's visibly begun to settle down into his new environment and his play has improved over the last few weeks.

With Evander Kane out of the lineup for most of the season, the Edmonton Oilers needed some players to step up to become physical presences, and Emberson is one of those candidates. Last season, he would've been second in hits only behind Kane. The Oilers also seem to be responding incredibly well to physicality, with their team being undefeated in games where they fight. If that trend keeps up, maybe they need to bring back Pat Maroon to play on the fourth line.

In their first game without Connor McDavid, it's clear that the Oilers are aware they need to step up to keep themselves in the race until the superstar gets back. A fight like this from a newcomer is a great way for him to get engaged, and bring the team together.