Connor McDavid criticizes dangerous hit during Oilers loss to Ducks

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid expressed frustration following a 5-4 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, specifically regarding a hit he received from defenseman Drew Helleson. During the first period, Helleson hit McDavid during a rush, causing him to crash into the net and end boards.

McDavid described the play as dangerous, noting that hitting the net at high speeds carries significant risk. He stated, “I wish that we treated the net like we treat the end wall. If I do that to him, going Mach 1 into the end wall, it’s a five-game suspension and everything.”

The incident led to immediate tension on the ice. Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin responded to the hit by engaging with Helleson, resulting in Podkolzin receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Despite the physical confrontation and the loss, McDavid recorded four points in the game.