Oilers coach Knoblauch speaks on Draisaitl suspension for hit on Barkov

Barkov went down on the ice for some time, and had to leave the remainder of the game while holding his face in pain. Draisaitl only received a two minute penalty on the play, but many fans have been calling for at least a one game suspension. It was a dirty hit, and absolutely warranted a suspension.

Oilers coach Knoblauch was asked after the game about potentially losing Draisaitl to a suspension and Darnell Nurse to an injury, and he said losing either would be a huge loss to the team.

Honestly, a suspension for Draisaitl feels very unlikely, given the facts that it's the Stanley Cup Final and he's one of the biggest stars in the game - the NHL doesn't want to have to suspend Draisaitl if they don't really need to.

Draisaitl was only given a two minute minor penalty for the hit even after a referee's review, so maybe the NHL doesn't believe the hit was that bad. Still, plenty of hockey fans have come out calling for a suspension.

In the coming hours we'll likely hear an official NHL decision on Draisaitl's hit, but don't hold your breath. In the Stanley Cup Final, the NHL won't want to suspend one of its biggest stars for a questionable hit - even if the player probably deserves it.