Fans criticize Edmonton Oilers for silence and referee controversy following Anaheim Ducks win

The Edmonton Oilers' latest loss to the Anaheim Ducks fueled widespread criticism from fans, not only for the score but for a contentious non-call and the team's subdued response. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl out, frustrations boiled over after Corey Perry was flattened by Radko Gudas with no retribution or penalty. The Edmonton Oilers had a heavily rotated lineup that could not hold up when it was needed most, both figuratively and literally.

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In what should have been an easy game against a struggling Anaheim Ducks team, the Edmonton Oilers were on the wrong side of a frustrating loss — and an even more frustrating series of events. A second-period shot by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas on Corey Perry became the flashpoint. The crushing blow sent Perry's helmet flying and had him sprawled on the ice — but no penalty was assessed.
Play-by-play announcer Louie DeBrusk wasn't shy in his critique.“He pops him, that’s a penalty, that was absolutely missed by the officials,” he remarked on the live game replay. The play soon became a hit on social media, with fans condemning referees for missing an obvious infraction and blaming the Oilers' bench for not reacting.

Fans were particularly outraged at how the Edmonton Oilers reacted — or didn't. Considering the ferocity of the hit and Corey Perry's veteran status as a protector of teammates all season long, no one in the Oilers challenged Radko Gudas or even exhibited visible pushback.
Jason Gregor, sports broadcaster and The Jason Gregor Show host, went on X (formerly Twitter) to rant: “Perry has stood up for his younger teammates many times this season. Time for one of them to return the favor.”
The victory occurred in a game in which the Ducks, otherwise having a subpar season, outperformed the Oilers because of a stellar goaltending effort by Lukas Dostal. His heroics staved off Edmonton, although most of the post-game talk wasn't about him — it was about what many perceived as refereeing injustice and team inaction.

With the playoffs approaching, the Edmonton Oilers will require more than Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl coming back. They'll require grit, unity and the fight the fans want to see in bad times. The hit by Corey Perry and the ensuing silence brought up questions of leadership and accountability on the ice.
Also read: 'He's not good enough': Connor McDavid’s frustration sparks debate over his leadership as Oilers struggle
Whether it was a missed call or a missed opportunity for the Oilers to make a statement, the message is clear: if they wish to go deep this playoffs, standing up for one another may be as important as scoring points.