Chris Kreider’s ‘ruthless’ hit on Leon Draisaitl sparks fan call for ‘hearing’
Tensions flared in Game 5 of the 2026 NHL Western Conference First Round sequence after Chris Kreider delivered a heavy second-period hit on Leon Draisaitl that shortly drew outrage on-line.
The incident got here with 2:40 left within the second interval and the Edmonton Oilers main 4-1 over the Anaheim Ducks. Kreider caught Draisaitl sq. on the numbers, sending him exhausting into the boards. Officials didn’t call a penalty, a call that fueled rapid backlash.
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Oilers Nation shared the clip on X, calling it a “ruthless hit,” and reactions poured in inside minutes.
One fan wrote“What a piece of actual (expletive). That deserves fkn hearing.”
Another added“That hit could take an elite player out for the season or worse. Refs are horrible. Don’t care who it is. Do better.”
“That’s blatantly a hit from behind. You have to call that, or it’s going to get real chippy in this series,” a fan mentioned.
One fan complainedsaying, “Then looks for the call right after, pure guilt, and ref?? “All good, dude, play on!”
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“Can see the puck cross the line by a mm, but can’t see boarding right in front of their f’n faces. Clown show officiating.” to fan wrote, pointing to Game 4 OT objective.
“Edmonton has to put an end to this by taking some very healthy runs at Carlson, Terry Gauthier, and Sennecke. Gauthier and Carlson, if I had it my way. Dirty if it has to be. This is getting ridiculous,” one fan mentioned.
Why the Leon Draisaitl hit might’ve been a blow to the Oilers?
If the hit had injured Draisaitl there, it might’ve been a blow to Edmonton, contemplating his offensive contributions within the sequence. He is their main ahead (in factors) and has not too long ago returned from a knee harm that saved him out for 14 regular-season video games.
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Despite the influence, Draisaitl stayed within the sport and continued to drive Edmonton’s high line, ending with 2 targets.
Edmonton had constructed its 4-1 lead by a pointy begin. Goals from Vasily Podkolzin, Zach Hymanand Draisaitl within the first interval set the tone. Draisaitl later added a power-play objective, assisted by Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.
MORE: Connor McDavid’s silence on injury adds worry after Oilers’ Game 4 defeat
The Oilers entered Game 5 trailing 3-1 within the sequence after defensive lapses and penalty-kill points had plagued earlier video games. However, they’ve received Game 5 after defending nicely within the third interval and have reduce the Ducks’ result in 3-2.
Goalie Connor Ingram returned within the internet and made 29 saves, permitting only one objective.