NHL shows favouritism to Panthers after reportedly punishing Oilers in playoffs
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The NHL made a shocking move as they showed clear favoritism for the Florida Panthers as they allowed Matthew Tkachuk to come off long term injury reserve for Game One of the playoffs while preventing the Oilers from activating Evander Kane.
This news was revealed by 32 thoughts podcaster and Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman as he explained that the NHL investigated Evander Kane's medical files and prevented the Oilers from activating him in Game 1.
Many fans furious with the NHL decision blocking Kane from Game 1
The league stated that they were not interested in seeing key star players not playing the last game of the season and then playing in Game One of the playoffs.
This decision was one among many teams being investigated about their usage of long-term injury reserve but for whatever reason the Florida Panthers were immune to this call.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if we see him in Game 2. I've heard the NHL really scrutinized a number of teams late in the regular season and they wanted detailed explanations of why some players couldn't play Game 82, and then could be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.
I think Kane was one of those players. I don't think he was the only one around the NHL, but I think he was one of the players scrutinized, and I do think it's possible that's why he's not playing Game 1.
- Elliotte Friedman
I think Kane was one of those players. I don't think he was the only one around the NHL, but I think he was one of the players scrutinized, and I do think it's possible that's why he's not playing Game 1.
- Elliotte Friedman
Fans took to the ex platform and expressed their anger towards the league as many feel that they are biased to the United states especially their Florida teams.
Kane ready to return to Oilers lineup for Game 2
With Game One out of the way, the Oilers are preparing to receive Kame back into the lineup after a wild game one which saw the Oilers lose 6-5 after being down 4-0 early on.
The Oilers will need to find a way to settle their defence and goaltending down so that they can get back to more sound playoff hockey and tried to tie the series
before it switches over to Edmonton.
before it switches over to Edmonton.
Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch made all kinds of line changes and put Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid back together to help lead the charge which tide the game until their heartbreak at the very end of the third.
Game 2 will take place on April 23rd at Crypto.com Arena and game time will be at 10:00 PM eastern.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 22 | 853 ANSWERS NHL shows favouritism to Panthers after reportedly punishing Oilers in playoffs Do you think the Florida Panthers were shown favouritism with Matthew Tkachuk's return over Evander Kane? | ||
| Yes | 778 | 91.2 % |
| No | 75 | 8.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
