Darnell Nurse faced heavy criticism after the Edmonton Oilers fell 5-4 to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. Nurse logged 21:37 of ice time and finished minus-1 with one shot on goal. He did not record a point and was on the ice during key defensive lapses.
Edmonton has now allowed five goals in back-to-back games, raising more questions about its blue line.
After the loss, Nurse pointed to accountability.
“It starts with us, it starts with leadership,” Nurse said.
Fans quickly reacted on X, with some questioning his role and contract.
“You’re not the guy to talk about leadership. You’re a number 6 d man. And paid like a number 1.” One fan wrote.
“Yes, now do the right thing Nurse and waive or retire.” Another fan urged.
“If Nurse was a true leader, he’d do what’s best for the team, and as a stay at home Defenseman, he should stay at home. No point in him being at the rink, let alone on the ice.” A fan reacted.
“Starts with nurse playing like he’s worth the money he’s paid.” Another fan said, pointing to Nurse’s 8-year $74 million contract.
“If bro doesn’t want to defend, stick him on the fourth line and play him 4-5 mins.” A fan wrote.
“Honestly, say “I need to be better”. It’s simple and it will create a sense of urgency rather than deflecting your responsibility. Brutal stretch for Nurse.” One fan reacted.
“Nurse, if you would stop icing the puck and shooting it around the nets to nobody, you would improve. Even if you continue to fall down or totally skate by your net when the other team is rushing. You absolutely have to be better. Stop trying to be an offensive defensemen.” A fan wrote.
On the season, Nurse has seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 61 games. He carries a minus-11 rating and averages 20:30 per night. He ranks among team leaders in penalty minutes, but his play has drawn mixed reactions.
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Game Recap: The Oilers lost 5-4 to the Sharks
The San Jose Sharks opened the scoring when Macklin Celebrini capitalized on a miscue by Connor Ingram. The goalie left his crease to retrieve a lost stick, and Celebrini fired into the empty net. San Jose added two more in the first, with Michael Misa and Barclay Goodrow pushing the lead to 3-1.
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The Edmonton Oilers answered in the second as Evan Bouchard blasted a one-timer off a Connor McDavid feed. In the third, Trent Frederic tied it 3-3 early, but Alexander Wennberg restored the Sharks’ edge. Jake Walman responded quickly to make it 4-4.
Shakir Mukhamadullin broke the tie midway through the third with a slap shot from the point. Leon Draisaitl also scored for Edmonton, while Yaroslav Askarov shut the door late in a 5-4 Sharks win.
Connor McDavid added three assists to reach 103 points on the season.
The Oilers host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.