Draisaitl and Kane Caught in Heated Argument on the Oilers' Bench
Leon Draisaitl and Evander Kane got into it last night during the Oilers versus Leafs game, as they were on camera in a verbal altercation on the bench.
Evander Kane has been the talk of the Edmonton Oilers this year, as he is a player that the Oilers need to step up if they want to make a run in the playoffs. Obviously, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the Oilers' star difference makers, however, it is the depth of scoring and leadership down the lineup that is what makes or breaks teams in the playoffs.
The Oilers, though, might be concerned with Kane's ability to lead, as there were previous rumours of instability in the locker room with him. Those worries likely only grew last night, as Kane and Draisaitl got into what seemed like a heated argument on the Oilers' bench during their struggles against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Here is the video of the altercation on the bench.
Clearly, any two competitors are going to go at each other when the stakes are as high as they are in the NHL. If anything, it just shows that both Kane and Draisaitl have a relentless passion for winning and don't want to lose. However, with the previous rumours floating around about Kane's presence in the locker room, the Oilers will want to nip this altercation in the Budd quickly in order to diffuse any potential tension. That would likely fall on the leadership group in the dressing room, though, as this is a matter for the players to handle if anything.
The Oilers have a unique opportunity today to put this altercation and the loss last night behind them, as they face the Ottawa Senators in a back-to-back on their eastern road trip. The Oilers should be able to use this as a momentum builder, as the Senators have struggled this season. However, a second loss in a row could prove disappointing, especially at this point in the season.
As for Evander Kane, he has had a fairly successful season. He has recorded 21 goals and 18 assists this season, including a goal in the loss to the Leafs. The Oilers will need his depth and focus down the stretch.
As seen on Blade of Steel - "Draisaitl, Kane appear to get into a heated argument on the Oiler bench"
| POLL | ||
Do you think it is a problem that Evander Kane and Leon Draisaitl got into a heated argument on the Oilers' bench? | ||
| Yes | 464 | 57.1 % |
| No | 348 | 42.9 % |
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