Don't look now, but this Edmonton Oilers defender is having a great season.
Don't look now, but this Edmonton Oilers defender is having a great season.
EDMONTON - You can't keep a good guy down.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxBTSrlWxMY[/embed]
Edmonton Oilers defender Darnell Nurse was down for a bit, but now he is back.
After having his best year offensively during the 2022-23 season with 43 points, he cooled off last season, only registering 32 points. Despite this, he still averaged a shade under 22 minutes a game.
Now, he's in the midst of a bounceback season.
He has 10 points in 19 games, which gives him a 0.53 points per game pace. He is on pace to match his offensive breakout season of 2022-23.
In the Oilers' last game against the New York Rangers, he scored the team's second goal, his third in his last three games. Before getting injured on a controversial hit against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nurse just had a two-goal game against the Nashville Predators.
He logged 23:30 minutes of ice time in his anticipated return while notching his 10th point of the season.
Moving forward, the Oilers will need the defender in full health. In the three games he missed, the Oilers had to rally together to cover the massive hole left in his absence.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDVk8o4wMJA[/embed]
Regardless of some fans' thoughts and feelings over his contract, he is a vital piece of the Oilers team. He brings intensity and hard work on and off the ice while also contributing hugely to the Edmonton community.
If he continues playing this brand of hockey, I wouldn't be surprised if he broke his career-high of 43 points this season. The more he can contribute offensively, the less pressure there will be on Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm to carry the load.
Nurse is back, and he's proving his immense worth once again.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.
Related: Why The Oilers Demoted Duo After Remarkable Win
Related: Ex-Oilers Enforcer Scores First Goal With New Team
Related: Former Oilers Trade Acquisition Placed On Waivers By Blackhawks