NHL: Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn

Connor McDavid makes his feelings known on "warrior" Zach Hyman playing with a broken nose

Modified Dec 21, 2024 12:50 GMT

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid praised forward Zach Hyman, who played with a broken nose against Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers. In a high-octane rematch of last season's Stanley Cup Finals, the Panthers beat the Oilers 6-5 on Monday. Hyman sustained a broken nose after being struck by a deflated shot from defenceman Evan Bouchard.

Hyman, 32, who had a slow start to the season, missing five games due to an undisclosed injury, played a key role for the Oilers, scoring their first two goals. However at 8:52 of the second period, the former 50-goal scorer was hit in his face by a deflected slap shot from his teammate Bouchard.

Addressing Hyman's injuries, which included a bloodied and displaced nose, as well as black eyes, following practice at Rogers Place on Friday afternoon, Connor McDavid said:

"Just to play last night and the way he played, contributing offensively, scoring a goal, setting up a tire."

Oilers captain Connor McDavid, 27, praised Hyman resillience. Hyman left the game with 11:08 left in the second period after getting injured but returned in the third, sporting a shield facemask.

"He's a warrior, right? Not easy to have that happen to you and even come back in the game. That was pretty wild," McDavid said.

Stanley cup winners Florida Panthers made a fine comeback from 4-2 down in the second period. Outscoring the Oilers 3-1 in the third period, they eventually took the win at Rogers Place.

Connor McDavid's game-tying goal lifts Oilers to 3-2 OT win over Bruins

NHL: Boston Bruins at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn

The Edmond Oilers, smarting from their 6-5 loss to the Panthers, took on the visiting Boston Bruins, who were coming off a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames, on Thursday.

The game started on a rough note for the Oilers, as Elias Lindholm opened the scoring for the Bruins in the first minute befre forward Mark Kastelic put the visitors two goals up.

However, Zach Hyman, playing with a swoolen nose and a faceshield, reduced the deficit for the Oilers with nine minutes remaining in the second period. Connor McDavid netted the equalizing goal with two and a half minutes left, sending the game to an overtime. There, a quick goal from Swedish defenceman Mattias Ekholm secured victory for Edmonton.

The Oilers improved to 19-11-2, 40 points are third in the Pacific division, behind the Golden Knights and the Los Angeles Kings respectively.