Kevin Bieksa's Hot Take on That WILD Byfield Play
Okay, so the NHL playoffs are insane, right? Non-stop action, questionable calls… you name it. And this Kings-Oilers game? Forget about it. It had everything, culminating in a moment that's still got hockey analysts buzzing. We're talking about Quinton Byfield, and a play so controversial, it's got everyone talking.
It was Game 5, score tied 1-1 in the third. The Oilers had a scoring chance – Zach Hyman shoots, Kuemper makes the save… but the puck’s still bouncing around the crease. That’s when Byfield dives in, and, let's just say, he gets a little too close to the puck with his hand. Major controversy ensues.
The Refs Missed It (Big Time)
Both Kevin Bieksa and Elliotte Friedman agree: that should have been a penalty shot for the Oilers. No ifs, ands, or buts. Friedman stressed you couldn't even review it, which makes the missed call even worse. It was a clear infraction, plain and simple. You could practically hear the Oilers fans groaning from here.
Bieksa's Take: A Clever Cheat?
Bieksa, though, adds a bit of spice to the story. While he totally agrees it was a penalty, he also points out how smart Byfield’s move was. He timed it perfectly, seeming to know exactly where the cameras were. It was a calculated risk, a brazen attempt to get away with something. "It's unbelievable when you cheat and don't get caught like that," Bieksa said, and honestly, that sums it up perfectly.
The whole crease was a chaotic mess; players everywhere, making it impossible to get a good look for a replay. The puck eventually got cleared, but the damage was done. Byfield's move was the defining moment of the game. The Kings ended up losing 3-1 after giving up two more goals in that third period.
The Aftermath
Byfield’s having a decent playoff run (two goals, three points in five games), but this play overshadowed everything. It was a game-changer, and it left everyone wondering what could have been. The Oilers, meanwhile, were one step closer to eliminating the Kings from the playoffs. Game 6 became a must-win situation for LA.
Beyond the Byfield incident, both goalies had incredible games (Kuemper with 43 saves, Pickard with 21). The Oilers' scoring was nicely distributed, showing great team work. But let’s be honest: all anyone’s talking about is that Byfield play.
What it All Means
This Byfield incident perfectly highlights that fine line between smart hockey and blatant rule-breaking. Bieksa and Friedman agree on the call, but their perspectives show how these split-second judgments are so tricky to call in the heat of the moment. It also raises questions about refereeing consistency during crucial moments. And yeah, the Kings’ season really did hinge on more than just that one play, but the controversy surrounding it will certainly stick around.
