OFFICIAL: Darnell Nurse and Oilers Head Coach Face Suspension and Fine

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been handed an automatic one-game suspension, while Coach Jay Woodcroft has been fined $10,000 under rule 46.21, which pertains to instigating within the final five minutes of regulation.

Nurse's suspension stems from his role in instigating a fight late in the game, as he initiated the altercation by dropping his gloves and engaging with Vegas Golden Knight Nic Hague.




Additionally, Coach Woodcroft received the fine due to his player's instigating action within the last five minutes of the game. This rule is in place to prevent coaches from encouraging their players to target and confront opponents.

In response to the disciplinary actions, Vegas Golden Knights' Mark Stone defended Darnell Nurse, asserting that Nic Hague had instigated the fight by provoking Nurse before the face-off. Stone suggested that the suspension should have been reversed based on this account.

The incident has sparked discussions surrounding the enforcement of the instigating rule and the interpretation of events leading to disciplinary measures. The league's decision will undoubtedly prompt further debate among fans and players alike.