The Oilers' media makes Nurse very angry, and McDavid stands up for him

This was evident in his latest press interactions, which were marked by terse responses and a noticeable tension with reporters. Despite fielding questions related more to team dynamics and game flow, Nurse's frustration was palpable, underscoring his dissatisfaction with the local media coverage.

Throughout the ongoing playoffs, Nurse's performance has been a talking point, with only two assists to his name and a significantly negative plus-minus rating, which has not gone unnoticed.

The situation escalated when Mark Spector posed a question about Nurse's current struggles to Stuart Skinner. In a show of solidarity and leadership, Connor McDavid interjected to defend his teammate, emphasizing Nurse's integral role within the team and downplaying the plus-minus statistic as "a funny stat." McDavid's supportive stance highlights his leadership qualities and his commitment to maintaining team morale.

Amidst these developments, the Oilers have made a strategic adjustment to their lineup by benching Vincent Desharnais on his birthday, a decision that has sparked debate among fans. While some supporters might have preferred benching Nurse or Cody Ceci, the choice to scratch Desharnais is a clear signal from the team's management that improvements are necessary if they hope to contend more effectively in Game 4.

With the Oilers set to face off at 6:30 MT tonight on home ice, the stakes are high. This game is pivotal, as a win would not only tie the series but also help shift the momentum back in favor of the Oilers as they head back to Dallas. The entire team, including Nurse, is under pressure to elevate their game and avoid the brink of elimination in what is nearly a must-win scenario.

Tonight's game is a crucial juncture for Nurse and the Oilers, with the team's cohesion and resilience being tested under the playoff spotlight.