While Nail Yakupov and the Edmonton Oilers got the last laugh, they likely weren’t happy after this hit by Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin:
There was no penalty on the play, but does that mean it was a legal check?
For what it’s worth, Yakupov returned to action and assisted on Anton Lander’s overtime game-winner. Emelin is a hard-hitting player, yet he hasn’t been suspended in his young NHL career.
The good news is that either way, the early word seems to be that Yakupov was able to shake it off. PHT will note if that changes, however.