The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs have been nothing short of electrifying, with every game bringing fresh drama, intensity, and controversy. As the Western Conference Final shifts back to Edmonton, all eyes are locked on the heated battle between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers—a series that has already delivered unforgettable moments and raised the stakes for both franchises. In Game 2, a pivotal incident late in the contest sent shockwaves through the hockey world, igniting fierce debate among fans, analysts, and players alike.

With emotions running high and the margin for error shrinking by the day, the actions of one player have come under intense scrutiny, casting a long shadow over the remainder of the series. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has once again found itself at the center of attention, tasked with making a high-profile decision that could very well tip the balance in this hard-fought matchup. As the anticipation builds for a critical Game 3, the fallout from this controversial moment continues to reverberate, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable showdown between two of the league’s most talented teams.

Darnell Nurse ended Game 2 with a slash to the legs of Roope Hintz, and after the Stars veteran left the game, Nurse has heard from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals belonged to the Edmonton Oilers, as they would pick up a key 3-0 victory to even the series up at 1-1 before heading back to Edmonton for critical Game’s 3 and 4.

Late in the game however, there was a key moment when veteran Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse slashed Roope Hintz right in the leg, with the talented Stars forward leaving the game shortly after with an injury.

While it didn’t appear to be much, many have called it a dirty play that was worthy of the penalty given that Hintz had to be helped from the ice, and as a result, many expected Nurse to hear from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

On Saturday, we got our answer from the DoPS, who have revealed Nurse’s fate for a critical Game 3 back in Edmonton that could be the deciding factor in this series between two incredibly talented teams.

So far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Department of Player Safety have been incredibly inconsistent, and it’s left fans confused on many occasions when their decision has come out, but on this occasion, it appears as though it was the right decision.

As a result, we’ll see a must-win game for both teams back in Edmonton on Sunday, but given the impact that this play will likely have on the series, don’t be surprised to see this come up again between these two heated rivals.