Leon Draisaitl has had sufficient of the criticism surrounding Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Following the Oilers’ current win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, Draisaitl defended his teammate after the media tried to hop on the Nurse bandwagon, calling for extra recognition of Nurse’s improved play.
Nurse is commonly the whipping boy in Edmonton due to the scale of his contract. It’s not essentially truthful, even when a few of the criticism up to now has been justified. However, Draisaitl believes that when Nurse performs nicely — which is commonly — he ought to get extra love from reporters, who usually overlook his contributions.
“You guys ought to discuss him extra,” Draisaitl told the media. “He’s actually, actually, actually good. Excessive-end. You guys are actually arduous on him generally. He’s possibly our greatest D for some time now.”
Nurse Has Discovered His Sport This Season With the Oilers
Nurse’s efficiency has definitely turned a nook after a tough begin to the season. Early on, his struggles had been evident at even power, the place he managed only a 25% on-ice aim share by means of the primary ten video games. Opponents routinely outshot and out-chanced the Oilers with Nurse on the ice.
Since November, nevertheless, Nurse has elevated his recreation. In opposition to the Lightning, his calm puck selections set the stage for Connor McDavid’s opening aim, showcasing Nurse’s skill to take care of possession below stress. Nurse additionally contributed to Draisaitl’s unassisted game-winner with a superbly positioned stretch go.
His defensive play has tightened considerably.
All of this got here round when he returned from harm after taking a nasty hit from Ryan Reaves. Maybe the 2 issues are linked. Maybe they aren’t. Both means, the Oilers are thrilled this model of Nurse is again.
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