Edmonton Oilers: Milan Lucic is Innocent

On November 6, 2018, Mathieu Joseph, of the Tampa Bay Lightning got rightfully punished by Milan Lucic, of the Edmonton Oilers, after Joseph made a questionable hit on Kris Russell.

Love him or hate him, Milan Lucic of the Edmonton Oilers is a good player and a phenomenal teammate.  When the Oilers signed him in July of 2016 to a seven-year$42 million dollar deal, they knew they were not just getting a power forward, but a bodyguard.  These attributes were on full blast on November 6, 2018, when Mathieu Joseph of the Tampa Bay Lightning hit Lucic’s teammate Kris Russell from behind.

The Lightning dictated much of the game, a game in which they won 5-2 against the Oilers. However, the game’s main storyline came in the third period when Joseph took advantage of a vulnerable Russell by hitting him from behind, driving his head into the glass.

More from Puck Prose

• Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
• This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
• 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
• 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
• This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings

In pain and anguish, he dropped and play continued briefly, that was until Lucic created a stir on the opposite end of the ice.  After the hit, Joseph continued to skate and play the rest of his shift all while being pursued by Lucic. He finally caught up to the timid Joseph and tackled him, pinning Joseph to the ground. This action by Lucic ensued a line scuffle, a major penalty, and a hefty $10,000 fine.

Although some may see Lucic’s reactions as barbaric and wrong, he did the right thing and did his job.  The questionable hit on veteran defenseman Kris Russell by a rookie forward received no penalty. If the referees are not going to enforce the rules, somebody has to and that usually belongs to the enforcer.

Had Lucic not gone after Joseph, then it sends a signal to the rest of the Lighting players, and the rest of the NHL, that they can cheap shot and take advantage of the star-studded Oilers. However, he showed that there will be repercussions for cowardly actions like Joseph’s hit on a vulnerable opponent.

The Edmonton Oilers have to be pleased by this situation for a couple of reasons. First, Lucic did what the Oilers brought him in to do, play a physical role and protect his teammates. Secondly, he sent a message that there is a price to be paid if somebody in the league wants to take a run at him or any of his teammates.

Ultimately, although Lucic’s attack on Joseph may have looked violent, it was well deserved and done with purpose. Hopefully, the NHL realizes the real problem which was poor officiating and a vicious hit executed by Joseph.