Tensions flared in Game 5 of the 2026 NHL Western Conference First Round series after Chris Kreider delivered a heavy second-period hit on Leon Draisaitl that quickly drew outrage online.
The incident came with 2:40 left in the second period and the Edmonton Oilers leading 4-1 over the Anaheim Ducks. Kreider caught Draisaitl square on the numbers, sending him hard into the boards. Officials did not call a penalty, a decision that fueled immediate backlash.
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Oilers Nation shared the clip on X, calling it a “ruthless hit,” and reactions poured in within minutes.
One fan wrote, “What a piece of actual (expletive). That deserves fkn hearing.”
Another added, “That hit could take an elite player out for the season or worse. Refs are horrible. Dont care who it is. Do better.”
“That’s blatantly a hit from behind. You have to call that, or it’s going to get real chippy in this series,” a fan mentioned.
One fan complained, saying, “Then looks for the call right after, pure guilt, and ref?? “All good, dude, play on!”
“Can see the puck cross the line by a mm, but can’t see boarding right in front of their f’n faces. Clown show officiating.” A fan wrote, pointing to Game 4 OT goal.
“Edmonton has to put an end to this by taking some very healthy runs at Carlson, Terry Gauthier, and Sennecke. Gauthier and Carlson, if I had it my way. Dirty if it has to be. This is getting ridiculous,” one fan mentioned.
Why the Leon Draisaitl hit could’ve been a blow to the Oilers?
If the hit had injured Draisaitl there, it would’ve been a blow to Edmonton, considering his offensive contributions in the series. He is their leading forward (in points) and has recently returned from a knee injury that kept him out for 14 regular-season games.
Despite the impact, Draisaitl stayed in the game and continued to drive Edmonton’s top line, finishing with 2 goals.
Edmonton had built its 4-1 lead through a sharp start. Goals from Vasily Podkolzin, Zach Hyman, and Draisaitl in the first period set the tone. Draisaitl later added a power-play goal, assisted by Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard.
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The Oilers entered Game 5 trailing 3-1 in the series after defensive lapses and penalty-kill issues had plagued earlier games. However, they have won Game 5 after defending well in the third period and have cut the Ducks’ lead to 3-2.
Goalie Connor Ingram returned in the net and made 29 saves, allowing just one goal.
