Oilers send a tough message to Darnell Nurse in win over Utah Mammoth

Oilers analysts have been calling out Darnell Nurse for his severe struggles at even strength so far this season. With Nurse on the ice, the Oilers have given up far more scoring chances against, and have been unable to generate much offence.

Early in the first period, Darnell Nurse fumbled a puck in the defensive zone that directly led to a turnover and Utah goal. It was an ugly mistake, which is too common for Nurse this season.

Nurse made another brutal mistake shortly after that contributed to Utah's second goal, and had the Oilers once again facing another disappointing early-season loss.

After the first period, it seemed that Darnell Nurse was deployed in the ice less by the coaching staff. Edmonton did play with 7 defenceman last night, but Nurse's ice time fell to 16:49 - his lowest of the season by far.

It's encouraging at least that the coaching staff was willing to park Nurse in the bench more while he's struggling, regardless of his status to the team with his $9.25M deal.

Nurse may never be worth his $9.25M contract, but he can be far better than he was last night. They need him to be a contributor to their success instead of a liability.

Hopefully, the coaching staff reducing Nurse's minutes serves as a wake up call, and he can dial up his play in the next few games.