Connor McDavid driven into goalpost by Drew Helleson
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid was driven into the goalpost by Anaheim Ducks defenceman Drew Helleson during the first period of Thursday’s 5-4 Oilers loss, an incident that prompted an immediate physical response from teammate Vasily Podkolzin. The play occurred after McDavid had already taken a shot on net, leaving him vulnerable as he collided with the structure at high speed.
McDavid remained on the ice briefly before confronting Helleson. “I’m not expecting him to give me a free pass. He makes his decision, I make my decision, that’s just the way it is,” McDavid said post-game. “You’re going to hit me like that and there’s going to be a response, that’s just the way it is.”
Vasily Podkolzin assessed game misconduct for intervention
Following the collision, Vasily Podkolzin engaged Helleson in a fight. Referee Cody Beach deemed the exchange a “one-man fight,” resulting in Podkolzin receiving a two-minute minor for instigating, a five-minute major for fighting, and a game misconduct. Conversely, Helleson was assessed only a two-minute minor for roughing.
“I’ve never seen that call before,” McDavid said of the officiating decision. Oilers head coach Mike Babcock expressed similar frustration regarding the initial hit, stating, “The instigation of the whole thing was when they run our guy into the net. Is it within the rules to crosscheck the guy into the net? I thought it wasn’t.”
History of injuries informs McDavid’s reaction
McDavid noted that the incident carried personal weight due to his history of injuries on similar plays. He specifically recalled a 2019 collision with then-Calgary Flames defenceman Mark Giordano that resulted in a knee injury, as well as a rookie-season injury caused by Philadelphia’s Brandon Manning.
“Those are plays that I’ve been really, really hurt on before,” McDavid told reporters. “Going into the end wall, going into the net… Those type of plays I find to be dangerous.” He compared the danger of the net to the end boards, which are covered by no-touch icing. “I wish that we treated the net like we treat the end wall. If I do that to him, go Mach 1 into the end wall, it’s a five-game suspension.”
"When that comes out, it can rattle a game up, and obviously I appreciated the response from Podzy." It was a physical game right from the hop, but the #Oilers ultimately dropped a 5-4 decision to the Ducks on Thursday. @paigymartin has your recap.@CIBC | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/XL3x5WrzOu
Oilers captain maintains point streak despite loss
Despite the physical nature of the game and a brief departure to the dressing room, McDavid returned to record one goal and three assists. The performance extended his point streak to 17 games, bringing his season total to 44 points.
The game marked the first time this season an EBUG (Emergency Backup Goaltender) was called into action, as Brett Epp dressed for Edmonton due to illness and injury among the team’s regular goaltenders. Leon Draisaitl added his 14th goal of the season in the final minutes of the 5-4 defeat.
Frequently asked questions about the incident
Was this the first time Vasily Podkolzin has fought an opponent?
No, Podkolzin has been involved in 10 regular-season fights during his NHL career. His previous fight occurred late in Game 3 of last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs against the same opponent, the Anaheim Ducks.
What penalty did Drew Helleson receive for the hit on McDavid?
Helleson was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for roughing. This was his first career fight in the NHL.
How many points has Connor McDavid recorded this season?
Through 17 games, McDavid has recorded 44 points (10 goals and 34 assists). He currently has more assists than any other player in the NHL has total points.
More on Vasily Podkolzin
"One man fight." 😳 https://t.co/HtrlgQuuFZ pic.twitter.com/39Qe9KDRgc
Vasily Podkolzin received the only five-minute penalty for fighting following this incident with Drew Helleson pic.twitter.com/QcG7DQfPvA
Connor McDavid knocked into the net by defenseman Drew Helleson on a rush and goes into post hard. Takes a while to get up and had some words for the #NHLDucks defenseman afterwards. McDavid doesn't appear to be injured. #Oilers #NHL