The 2024 Western Conference Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars has been nothing short of electrifying, capturing the attention of hockey fans everywhere. With both teams pushing the limits in pursuit of a coveted Stanley Cup berth, every shift has been a battle, every play magnified under the intense playoff spotlight. The series has not only featured dazzling offensive performances and rock-solid goaltending, but also a level of physicality and emotion that has made each game must-watch television.

As the Oilers and Stars clash for Western Conference supremacy, the stakes have risen with every whistle, and tempers have flared as the competition grows fiercer. The line between hard-nosed playoff hockey and outright controversy has become increasingly blurred, with both teams feeling the impact of key players being sidelined at critical moments. Amidst this chaos, the NHL Department of Player Safety has found itself thrust into the spotlight, tasked with making pivotal decisions that could shape the outcome of the series. With the battle raging on and the margin for error shrinking, the Western Conference Final has become a showcase of resilience, grit, and the unpredictable drama that defines Stanley Cup Playoff hockey.

Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Connor Brown has been stellar for the Oilers in these playoffs, but after taking a tough hit from Alex Petrovic, the Stars defenseman has learned his DoPS fate.

Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals was all about the Edmonton Oilers, as they picked up the 6-1 victory to take a critical 2-1 series lead against the Dallas Stars in a very exciting rematch of the 2024 WCF.

However, like Game 2, there was plenty of controversy, with one such incident coming on this play, an unnecessary hit from Stars defenseman Alex Petrovic on Oilers forward Connor Brown.

What appeared to be an attempt at a legal hit quickly turned, as Petrovic hit Brown right in the head, something the NHL have tried to get out of their game as they struggle with players avoiding head contact and CTE.

Unfortunately for the Oilers, Brown left the game as a result of the hit, one that had many Oilers fans on social media in an uproar, but after the Roope Hintz incident in Game 2, the Oilers had to know that something like this was coming.

It’s unclear at this point in time if Brown is okay, as he left the game immediately after this hit, and given how well he’s played in the post-season, the Oilers can’t afford to lose the talented forward.

Unsurprisingly, many have now awaited a potential decision from the NHL Department of Player Safety, and now, George Parros and the team have officially weighed in on the hit.

Now, the Western Conference Finals will continue to move forward, and with two key pieces being taken out of games in Hintz and Brown, it’s safe to say that at this point, anything goes in what has already been a brutal, intense and incredibly physical series.