Early on in the first period, it was evident that was a strategy from the Oilers. Every time an Oiler was forechecking against Hughes, they were crushing the smaller star defenceman with massive hits. Evander Kane and Zach Hyman started the hit parade against Hughes, and it didn't relent all night.
A few days ago on the OilersNow radio show hosted by Bob Stauffer, a show host suggested that the Edmonton Oilers should target Quinn Hughes physically, because he looks like a player that would get overwhelmed and cry. It was just a fun jab at a rival player, and Hughes probably won't actually cry on the bench, but the idea of punishing him physically over the course of the series is worthwhile.
Unfortunately for the Oilers, the attempt to play physically only lead to the Canucks selling out for some more penalty calls in this game. Quinn Hughes in particular fell to his knees easily to nab a holding penalty against Connor Brown.
Over the course of this series, the Oilers are going to need to continue to wear Hughes down with this physical play to shut down their opponent's best player.
POLL | ||
9 MAI | 99 ANSWERS Oilers take advice from media and make Quinn Hughes cry with huge hits Do you think the Oilers made a strategy to target Quinn Hughes with hits early on? | ||
Yes, need to wear him down | 69 | 69.7 % |
No, nothing unusual | 25 | 25.3 % |
See Results | 5 | 5.1 % |
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