The Uncalled Hit
During Game 5 of the Ducks-Oilers first-round series on April 29, 2026, Chris Kreider delivered a heavy hit on Leon Draisaitl with 2:40 remaining in the second period. Kreider caught Draisaitl square on the numbers and drove him hard into the boards. Despite the contact occurring in plain sight of officials Eric Furlatt and Kendrick Nicholson, no penalty was assessed on the play.
Immediate Backlash
The missed call sparked immediate and intense online outrage. Fans called the hit ruthless and dangerous, with some arguing it deserved a hearing. One fan stated the hit could take an elite player out for the season or worse and blamed refs for failing their job. Another pointed out that Draisaitl was still recovering from a knee injury that had sidelined him for 14 regular-season games, making the uncalled hit even more concerning.
Context and Comparisons
The controversy gained intensity because fans felt it reflected broader officiating issues in the series. Some pointed to Mikko Rantanen receiving discipline on a similar play, questioning why Kreider received nothing. The uncalled hit also came amid ongoing disputes over other controversial calls in the series, including a game-changing overtime goal-line controversy in Game 4, fueling allegations of NHL favoritism and selective enforcement.
Game Impact
Despite the hard hit, Draisaitl remained in the game and continued to drive Edmonton's top line. He finished Game 5 with 2 goals, including a power-play goal assisted by Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard. The Oilers won Game 5, cutting the Ducks' series lead to 3-2. 
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