The Edmonton Oilers' media is the worst in the NHL, according to Kevin Bieksa
In a fiery post-game commentary following the Edmonton Oilers' victory over the Dallas Stars, Sportsnet analyst Kevin Bieksa didn't hold back in his critique of the local media's harsh treatment of the team.
This spirited defense came after Darnell Nurse faced a notably adversarial media session before Game 4.
Bieksa, often seen as a player's advocate, once again stood firmly on the side of the athlete, highlighting the unfair pressure placed on Nurse, who responded to the media's grilling with brief and clearly frustrated replies. The panel was visibly taken aback by Bieksa's blunt dismantling of the media's approach, signaling a shift in the discourse surrounding player-media relations in Edmonton.
Moreover, Bieksa's actions spoke as loudly as his words. In a moment of respect towards the team, he intercepted a toss of the Oilers jersey intended for the floor, promptly displaying it with pride throughout the segment�an unexpected gesture from someone who was once a fierce competitor against the Oilers.
Nurse's performance may have been less than stellar as per his high contract standards, especially noted in recent playoff seasons. However, the narrative shifted positively as the game progressed. It's crucial now more than ever for the team and its supporters to unite behind Nurse, fostering a conducive atmosphere for his�and ultimately the team's�success.
Leadership within the team also rose to the occasion. Captain Connor McDavid took charge during a media session to shield teammate Stuart Skinner from a challenging question about Nurse, a clear move to protect his teammate. Similarly, Connor Brown voiced his support post-game, critiquing the widespread negativity surrounding Nurse.
As the Oilers advance deeper into the playoff battles, it becomes imperative for everyone�fans, media, and players alike�to rally around the team. Contracts and past performances should take a back seat to collective effort and support. Nurse is aware of his need for improvement, but more than that, he requires the backing of the entire Oilers community during these crucial times.
| POLL | ||
Is Bieksa correct in his assessment of the Oilers' press coverage? | ||
| Yes, they're too hard on the players | 340 | 72.2 % |
| No, the Oilers media is fine | 40 | 8.5 % |
| Why do I actually like Bieksa now?! | 29 | 6.2 % |
| See Results | 62 | 13.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
