Oilers' Evander Kane Speaks On Controversial Pummeling Of Golden Knights Forward
In a highly anticipated Game 2 of the second-round playoff series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights, emotions ran high as a chaotic brawl unfolded.
This fan gave Evander Kane the dirty birds as refs were breaking up a fight 😂
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2023
(📸: David Becker) pic.twitter.com/y616K4btvN
The Oilers emerged victorious with a convincing 5-1 win, but the post-game focus centered on the intense altercation involving Evander Kane and Keegan Kolesar.
Late in the second period, with tensions already simmering, a heated exchange between Brett Howden and Brett Kulak sparked a full-blown fight. As players from both teams joined the fray, chaos ensued near the corner of the ice.
Evander Kane lands a bunch of punches to Keegan Kolesar while he was lying on his back last night😳🫣
— Everything Hockey (@EHClothing) May 7, 2023
pic.twitter.com/DjIgDBv7M6
Amidst the punches and the referees' attempts to restore order, it was Kane's actions that garnered significant attention.
When questioned about his aggressive behavior, particularly the body shots he delivered to Kolesar, Kane provided a candid explanation. "You don't often see guys getting jumped from behind and headlocked," he responded. "When you want to f*** around, sometimes you have to face the consequences, and that's what happened out there."
“When you want to fuck around, sometimes you gotta find out.”
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) May 7, 2023
Evander Kane a uh candid take on Kolesar and the Knights general rowdiness towards the #Oilers pic.twitter.com/nrtnvEc3zv
The altercation resulted in a total of 30 penalty minutes being assessed, with Kane receiving a game misconduct and two roughing minors.
Kolesar was given a roughing minor but faced no further disciplinary action. The physicality of the game and the intensity of playoff hockey were on full display, reflecting the emotions and stakes at play.
Following the game, Mark Stone of the Golden Knights expressed frustration with the officiating, believing his teammate Kolesar had been targeted without adequate protection.
here's another look at the brouhaha in the corner. pic.twitter.com/Ti1hZEy8js
— zach (@zjlaing) May 7, 2023
Stone emphasized the importance of player safety and called for better referee intervention in such situations.
As the series progresses to Game 3, scheduled for Monday night in Edmonton, the tensions between the teams and the players involved in the altercation are likely to continue to simmer.
The physicality and emotions of playoff hockey will undoubtedly remain key factors as both teams strive to gain the upper hand and advance in the playoffs. Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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