Real reason why NHL warned the Canucks and Oilers of diving revealed

The first round of the playoffs are in the rearview mirror, it's become clear that special teams are becoming the difference makers to helping teams win and how teams win. This holds true between the Oilers and the Canucks as both teams have had special teams work in their favor.

During the regular season, the Vancouver Canucks were given the fifth most power play opportunities in the NHL. That statistic certainly stands out as recently the NHL has spoken to both teams with the notion that they will be monitoring and watching for embellishment, diving, or extra complaints against the officials.




Embellishment is one aspect that the NHL refuses to tolerate. It's important to realize that the Edmonton Oilers hold the best power play and best penalty kill in this year's playoffs thus far. The Canucks on the other hand are not as balanced as they hold the 5th overall best penalty kill and power play with the teams that are remaining.


It's a welcome sight that the NHL would like to crack down on these infractions and it remains to be seen on whether they do or not. But one thing is for certain, if the Canucks get themselves into penalty trouble whether it's through embellishment or regular penalties, the Oilers will make them pay thus making this a very short series.