"Should be 5 and a game", "Was a clear flop": NHL fans debate as Nikita Zadorov crashes into Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner

Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner left Tuesday’s game after a hard hit from Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov. The incident happened late in the first period, sparking debate among NHL fans online.

Zadorov tried to cut in front of the net with the puck but collided with Skinner. Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak was nearby as Skinner’s mask flew off, and he fell face-first onto the ice.

Stuart Skinner stayed on his knees for a few minutes while a trainer checked on him. He then left the ice and was replaced by Calvin Pickard. Skinner returned for the second period, easing concerns about his condition.

The referees gave Zadorov a minor penalty for goaltender interference. However, fans disagreed about the call. A clip of the hit shared on X sparked different opinions.

“Was a clear flop.” One fan commented.

“Should be 5 and a game,” Another wrote, calling for a harsher penalty.

"Zadorov makes nearly 0 effort to get out the way. Right through the crease. Players should be booted for that especially when resulting in an injured goalie. Just no excuse for that." a fan shared his perspective.

Fans remain divided on whether Zadorov’s penalty for hitting Stuart Skinner was fair. Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Blame Kulak for pushing Zadorov into Skinner… I completely disagree with the call" a fan sided with Zadorov.

"Biased announcers. Zadorov was on a line in front of the crease and the D pushed him. With 2 hands. 2 mins I guess." another fan wrote.

"Meat head takes our goalie out and no response. Won’t win a cup playing like this." one fan shared.

Stuart Skinner and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Boston Bruins 4-0

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Boston Bruins 4-0 at TD Garden on Tuesday. Stuart Skinner made 26 saves. Adam Henrique scored the first goal at 6:33 of the first period. Corey Perry passed from behind the net, and Henrique’s quick shot beat Jeremy Swayman.

Connor McDavid made it 2-0 in the second period on a power play. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sent him on a breakaway, and McDavid scored stick side. Henrique added his second goal at 16:35 of the second period. Zach Hyman passed the puck behind the net to Jeff Skinner, who found Henrique for a quick shot.

Viktor Arvidsson scored an empty-net goal at 16:25 of the third period, securing the win. The Oilers have won four straight games, improving their record to 25-12-3. The Bruins, now 20-18-5, have lost five in a row.