Another tough road game for the Edmonton Oilers where they were hammered on the scoreboard in an 8-2 loss to the New York Rangers. This ends a tough road trip for the copper and blue. But the buzz is not about the Oilers shortcomings on the road, or on the PK. Sunday's game saw a brawl between the two teams after Sean Avery sucker-punched Oilers Ladislav Smid. Watch the sequence of events.
No disciplinary action was handed out to Avery... no surprise. But without a doubt, Avery's gutless act was frowned upon around the league. He's developed a reputation for committing dishonorable acts that even his own teammates are ashamed of.
If Oilers fans can take one positive out of this situation is how Smid's teammates reacted. As Avery is being escorted off the ice, Ryan Whitney continues to give him an earful which leads to an on-ice brawl. Fraser fought. Peckham fought. Stortini fought. In years past, the Oilers have been criticized of not sticking up for one another and allowing their superstars to be bullied by other team's goons. It's refreshing to see that there is a strong sense of pride in the Oilers locker room when one teammate goes down it is an obligation for another to defend his honor. As the Oilers continue to rebuild and establish the proper culture, this element needs to be on the forefront and enforced with the right character players.
"I definitely made a little bit of a mistake and went a little wonky there, but we're a family and sometimes you just have to make a stand for yourself." - Theo Peckham
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