Chris Kreider’s ‘ruthless’ hit on Leon Draisaitl sparks fan call for ‘hearing’
Tensions flared in Game 5 of the 2026 NHL Western Conference First Round series after Chris Kreider delivered a heavy second-period hit on Leon Draisaitl that quickly drew outrage online. The incident came with 2:40 left in the second period and the Edmonton Oilers leading 4-1 over the Anaheim Ducks . Kreider caught Draisaitl square on the numbers, sending him hard into the boards.
Officials did not call a penalty, a decision that fueled immediate backlash. Oilers Nation shared the clip on X, calling it a “ruthless hit,” and reactions poured in within minutes. One fan wrote , “What a piece of actual shit.
That deserves fkn hearing. ” Another added , “That hit could take an elite player out for the season or worse. Refs are horrible.
Dont care who it is. Do better. ” “That’s blatantly a hit from behind.
You have to call that, or it’s going to get real chippy in this series,” a fan mentioned . One fan complained , saying, “Then looks for the call right after, pure guilt, and ref?? “All good, dude, play on!