The Edmonton Oilers have jumped out to a 2-1 lead over the Calgary Flames in their second-round NHL Playoffs matchup, and tempers have begun to flare in the Battle of Alberta. With constant skirmishes between two sides, tensions are high between the Flames and Oilers, and it seems some Calgary players may have tried to take things too far during Game 3. According to Frank Seravalli, the NHL is investigating an incident in which as many as three different Flames players were seen intentionally targeting Leon Draisaitl's injured ankle.
Have a look at the play below in which Draisaitl, who is not even on the puck, can be seen getting lunged at by various Flames defenders.
#NHL is aware of this clip and the apparent targeting of #LetsGoOilers Leon Draisaitl’s ankle. Safe to say Player Safety / Hockey Ops / Officiating Depts are in communication and will keep an eye out for the same in Game 4 and beyond. https://t.co/xIEdaEPqz7
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 24, 2022
If that's not some seriously dirty play by the Flames defenders, I'm not sure what is. Draisaitl has been dealing with a high ankle sprain since the first-round series against the LA Kings, and it's well known that he's not quite at 100%. Well, rather than simply try to use that to their advantage, it seems Calgary players tried to knock him out of the game altogether by slashing at his injured ankle, even when he wasn't in possession of the puck.
The league has been made aware of the controversial play from the Flames and is investigating, and will also keep an eye out for similar infractions in Game 4 on Tuesday night.
While this series has been incredibly chippy, intentionally aiming to injure an opposing player has no place in professional sports. Calgary hasn't been able to contain the trio of Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evander Kane, and it looks as if they were willing to resort to some drastic measures to even the playing field in Game 3.
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