'They’re Trying to Hurt Us': Kings Slam Oilers’ Rough Play Ahead of Playoffs

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 , ,

Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault stirred controversy Monday night by accusing the Edmonton Oilers of playing dirty during a heated 5-0 Kings win that served as a playoff preview. 

With several of Edmonton’s top players out of the lineup, Danault took issue with the Oilers’ physicality, telling Kings broadcaster Patrick O’Neal during a second intermission interview, “I think they just have their B squad in trying to hurt us.” 

The Oilers, missing stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman, iced a depleted roster and racked up 53 penalty minutes in a game that featured 69 total.

The most serious incident came in the second period, when Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse cross-checked Quinton Byfield in the back of the head while he was down on the ice. 

Nurse was ejected with a major penalty and game misconduct, and Byfield did not return, later entering concussion protocol. 

That moment, coupled with the overall tone of the game, prompted Danault’s frustration, though it drew a sharp response from Edmonton’s veterans. “What the f—? What do you want us to do?” Corey Perry said postgame. “Did he not see what has happened over the last couple of weeks? We’re not out there to hurt anybody.”

Oilers winger Connor Brown, who got into it with Danault during the game, declined to fan the flames further. “I’m not really interested in getting into a media war with Danault,” he said. “He took a run at me. I took a run at him. I don’t really have anything to say.” 

With the Kings and Oilers now locked into a first-round playoff matchup for the fourth straight year, Monday’s tension adds fuel to what’s already a fiery rivalry.

Photo Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
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