"9.5 million per year to act like a baby": NHL fans react to Darnell Nurse's brief media interaction after struggling Game 3 performance

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse found himself under scrutiny from fans following a lackluster media interaction before Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars. The brief interview, which lasted a mere minute, left fans questioning Nurse's attitude and commitment, especially considering his underwhelming performance in the playoffs thus far.

When asked about the potential inclusion of Philip Broberg in the lineup, Nurse said:

"Really good player, he's ready."

When asked about his confidence in Broberg, Nurse replied:

“100%. He’s really a good player”.

His other answers were similarly short.

Fans were quick to express their discontent on social media, with one particularly critical comment stating:

"9.5 million per year to act like a baby."

Another fan jokingly commented:

"Bro puts as much effort into media as he does on the ice"

A user analyzed Darnell Nurse's interview, saying:

"Wow... so elusive, so decisive, knowing exactly when to break out and exit the zone. Too bad he can't play defence as well on the ice as he can when taking questions from the press..." wrote on X.

Here are some fan reactions:

"If Nursey doesn’t come out and have his best game of the playoffs tonight… he’s done. He should have a huge burr in his saddle." one fan commented on X.

"What a leader soft and entitled. Own it and be better." another fan wrote.

"Edmonton media is brutal, no wonder players leave Edmonton" a user wrote.

Darnell Nurse's lackluster performance in the playoffs has compounded the issue. Despite averaging just under 20 minutes per contest, Nurse has only managed to contribute two assists throughout the postseason.

Connor McDavid confident in Darnell Nurse's resurgence for Game 4

Connor McDavid expressed his unwavering support for defenseman Darnell Nurse, who has been struggling in the playoffs. Despite the recent criticism from fans, McDavid believes in Nurse's ability to bounce back in Game 4.

"He gives us everything he's got and he always has for a long time," McDavid said during a media session on Wednesday. "He's a big part of our room and I would expect him to have a great one tonight."

Nurse's performance has been under scrutiny, but Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch argues that the stats don't tell the whole story.

"You look at the stats, I think it's unfair to say, 'That's his game,'" Knoblauch said on Tuesday. "But Darnell can play better."

Darnell Nurse has a league-worst +/- minus 12.

Knoblauch also pointed out the limitations of using plus-minus as a metric to evaluate a player's performance.

"Plus-minus is obviously a very difficult stat to look at," he said. "Sometimes you're soaking up minuses when you had nothing to do with the play. ... Maybe a bad goal. It's a tough one."

Game 4 is set to start at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Rogers Place.