Former Oilers defenseman discusses Darnell Nurse’s role against Panthers
Former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jason Strudwick discussed the importance of Darnell Nurse’s role in shutting down the Panthers’ top line as Edmonton prepares for Game 3. On “SC with Jay Onrait,” Strudwick talked about Nurse’s potential to be a game-changer with his physical play and leadership on the ice.
“He’s the emotional leader of this team and can be an apex predator on the ice,” Strudwick stated. “We’ve seen Ekblad, Bennett, and Tkachuk do it for Florida. They need Nurse to do it as well.”
“He needs to get physical and target the opposition’s top lines. He’s not worried about the challenge, but the team needs him to be that apex predator.”
Strudwick cited Nurse’s standout performance in Game 4 against Dallas, where he delivered 12 hits, as an example of his capability. He believes Nurse’s physical presence can make a big impact, particularly on home ice.
“We saw it—I think it was game four against Dallas, 12 hits.” Strudwick said, “They need him to be that guy and be that leader and make this team, that other team, Florida, really suffer when he’s out there and know that he’s the man.”
“And on home ice, I think he’s the guy that can do it. Zero points in his last four games and a minus in the playoffs. So, Darnell Nurse, if you can turn it around in game three, it’ll be massive.”
Despite struggling in the playoffs, Strudwick remains confident in Nurse’s ability to turn it around in Game 3.
Darnell Nurse will reportedly play despite hip injury
Darnell Nurse suffered a hip injury in Game 2 and has been under evaluation. Nurse’s below-average performance and just one block in his limited 4:20 of ice time in Game 2 raised concerns about his health.
Here’s what Coach Kris Knoblauch had to say after game 2, according to Tracey Myers of the NHL.
“I haven’t spoken to our medical staff. I’ll be seeing them in about 15 minutes, and I’ll get their report.”
However, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Nurse is expected to play in Game 3 against Florida. Despite missing Wednesday’s practice, coach Knoblauch expects Nurse to be available. Nurse has struggled in the 2024 playoffs, recording just three assists and posting a -15 rating over 20 appearances.
As Edmonton faces a must-win situation, Nurse’s ability to shut down Florida’s top line will be crucial. Strudwick’s insights put Nurse in a position to give the Oilers a fighting chance against the Panthers.
News
John Tavares talked about his early exit during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens.
John Tavares discusses early exit in Maple Leafs’ pre-season game (Picture credit: Imagn) John Tavares addresses his early first-period exit that sparked injury scare Tavares was slow getting to the bench but stayed in the game. He was limited to…
Leon Draisaitl expresses displeasure for Canadian style of dressing
Leon Draisaitl discusses Canadian culture and fashion adjustments (Source: Imagn) Leon Draisaitl, the German-born Edmonton Oilers star, recently spoke about adjusting to Canadian culture in an Instagram video shared by the NHLPA. While he has embraced many parts of Canadian life, Draisaitl…
A strange play by Leafs winger Nick Robertson inadvertently caused an injury to teammate William Nylander in the first period of Thursday’s meeting with the Habs.
Strange play by Nick Robertson inadvertently causes an injury to Leafs teammate William Nylander With Auston Matthews and Calle Jarnkrok already nursing injuries in training camp, we may add William Nylander’s name to the list of Leafs dealing with an ailment after being clipped…
A Shocking Turn: Max Pacioretty’s Kids ‘Snub’ the Canadiens After Seeing Dad in a Leafs Jersey
Photo credit: USA Today Sports Maple Leafs PTO invitee Max Pacioretty revealed on Thursday that his kids prefer him in a Maple Leafs jersey, as opposed to the Canadiens jersey he wore most of his career. Pacioretty, the former captain of…
Steven Lorentz Unexpectedly Reveals: Winning the Stanley Cup with the Leafs Will Be the Fateful Milestone of My Life!
Photo credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports Steven Lorentz spent his summer as a Stanley Cup champion and has publicly spoken about how amazing it would be to repeat with the Maple Leafs this season. The fourth line forward from Kitchener…
Connor Bedard critiques Blackhawks’ “sloppy play” in loss to Red Wings in preseason opener
Connor Bedard’s mixed performance and key takeaways (Source: Imagn) In the preseason opener against the Detroit Red Wings, the Chicago Blackhawks showed strengths and weaknesses. The 19-year-old had a few good moments but also struggled in some parts in the loss…
End of content
No more pages to load