Kasperi Kapanen providing the Edmonton Oilers with some much needed toughness
Although the Edmonton Oilers have been playing fantastic hockey as of late, their overall toughness has been called into question. As it stands, the Oilers rank dead last in the NHL in hits, sparking concern amongst fans who view them as "soft"
Last night, the Edmonton faced off against the Los Angeles Kings in a furious playoff style game.
While the game was entertaining for fans, the Los Angeles Kings were taking deliberate shots at Connor McDavid all night without consequence.
Frustrations reached a boiling point when Connor McDavid was roughed up and dumped to the ice, but forward Kasperi Kapanen stepped up and finally displayed the kind of toughness the team has been lacking.
Kasperi Kapanen defends Connor McDavid
Although Kasperi Kapenen is the furthest thing from an enforcer, he showed that even the smallest of players can be ferocious.
Connor McDavid is the best player on the planet, and opposing players shouldn't taking liberties without facing repercussions.
Last week, Boston Bruins defenceman Nikita Zadorov took the puck along the boards and came charging in to the Oilers net, unfortunately, Nikita Zadorov made no attempt to slow down, colliding hard with Stuart Skinner a massive hit.
After the incident, not one Oilers player stepped up in defence of their shaken up goaltender.
Now, it appears that the Oilers have learned their lesson: when a player takes an illegal hit, step up, and take action to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Regardless, Oilers Central would like to tip their proverbial cap to Kapseri Kapanen for stepping up when needed -- what an acquisition he's been so far!
