It's quite common for hockey fans to become frustrated and assign blame when their team is not meeting expectations. However, the online criticism directed at Edmonton Oilers assistant captain Darnell Nurse, following the teams 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars in game 3 of the 2024 Western Conference Final has reached a different level.
Many fans have been quick to criticize Nurse, pointing out that he is not living up to his $9.25 million contract. With a minus -12 rating in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and only two assists to his name.
Nurse's response to the Dallas Stars managing to get 13 shots on goal while Edmonton had none is also facing some scrutiny.
I'm sorry man, this is the playoffs, that CAN'T HAPPEN!.
Awful take, we'll discuss in the morning, bed time."
Another user shared a video showcasing Nurse's standout moments, from his 15 playoff matches in 2024. The clip lasting two seconds, captures a play where he skillfully blocked Mason Marchment's shot with his backside during the recent game.
Some people are wondering if Nurse's $74 million contract, which he agreed to in 2021 for eight years is considered one of the worst deals in the NHL.
Darnell Nurse and the Oilers need to step up their game in game 4 to prevent trailing 3-1 in the series, which would be tough to recover from. The upcoming game is scheduled for Wednesday night at Rogers Place, in Edmonton.
Source: Hockey OTB
Darnell Nurse catching heat from fans online for poor performance
POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 301 ANSWERS Darnell Nurse faces criticism from fans online for his subpar performance Do you think Darnell Nurse deserves the criticism he is getting online from the Edmonton Oilers fans? | ||
Yes | 182 | 60.5 % |
No | 74 | 24.6 % |
The overall team is to blame | 45 | 15 % |
List of polls |