Edmonton Oilers D-man Darnell Nurse has faced a ton of criticism for mistakes made during the playoffs, but he should get more recognition for his invaluable qualities, writes Jim Parsons.

Darnell Nurse

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Darnell Nurse’s performance during the 2024 NHL playoffs has been a polarizing topic among fans and analysts.

Most of his career with the Edmonton Oilers has involved facing scrutiny, particularly since he started making top-pair NHL blueliner money.

Despite all that, Nurse has demonstrated invaluable qualities that are often under-appreciated, particularly in critical moments like Corey Perry’s Game 5 power-play goal.

On the ESPN broadcast and afterward on the Ray & Dregs Podcast, Ray Ferraro focused on a pivotal exchange between Perry and Nurse on the bench that led to a highlight-reel assist from Connor McDavid.

McDavid and Perry are getting a ton of credit for the goal, but Ferraro, who had a close view of the play, explained that eventual game-winning goal doesn’t happen without Nurse’s involvement.

Ready to go on when the coach called his name, Nurse changed things up and yelled for Perry to go on the other side of the bench. Perry jumped onto the ice and got to the back post just in time for McDavid to finish his memorable play and set him up.

“I just happened to be standing there, and I will say that’s awesome,” Ferraro said.

Nurse’s awareness to call that audible with no time to spare showcases his team-first mentality and strategic thinking.

“I’m not going to beat a forward down there,” Nurse told The Athletic. “So I figured we might as well get one out there.”

Nurse Takes a Lot of Heat, But Does He Get Enough Love?

This play underscores a broader narrative about Nurse: he often doesn’t receive the credit he deserves.

Critics frequently point to his high salary and occasional on-ice struggles, particularly during this year’s playoffs as a minus-11. As outdated and inaccurate as some believe plus/minus to be in the NHL, detractors have used it to lambaste Nurse whenever possible.

However, Nurse’s leadership and awareness are crucial elements that contribute significantly to the team, even if they don’t always appear on the stat sheet.

Nurse’s resilience was no more evident than in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars. He was being dragged through the mud before that game. Right on cue, things didn’t start well as a puck went off him and into his own net.

Despite several reasons to fold his hand and believe the hockey gods weren’t on his side, Nurse finished strong. He recorded an assist, delivered 12 hits and blocked three shots, including one that set up the Oilers’ game-winning, shorthanded goal. His ability to bounce back while facing adversity exemplifies his importance to the team.

“One thing Darnell is, he’s one of the best in the league on covering space with his speed and his reach and then finishing plays because of his strength,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters after that game against Dallas.

Decisions like the one he made in Game 5 highlight why the Oilers value him so highly. Nurse’s ability to recognize and act on these split-second opportunities is a testament to his hockey IQ and leadership.

In a rollercoaster playoff run, Nurse has remained a constant presence in the Oilers’ lineup. His blend of physicality, speed and strategic acumen makes him a unique and indispensable asset.

He makes mistakes like any other defenseman, but his are magnified during the playoffs with a hefty cap hit in a hockey-mad market like Edmonton. He also doesn’t get to hide his mistakes behind power-play points or numerous offensive zone starts. It would have been easy for Nurse to become frustrated or disheartened by the criticism, but instead, he has consistently shown a desire to help his team succeed.

Make no mistake (even if Nurse makes a few), as the Oilers head into another do-or-die Cup final game, Nurse’s contributions will be critical to their success.