Podkolzin Engages in Fight After Helleson's Hit on McDavid
Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin fought Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson following a hard hit that sent Connor McDavid into the net during a game in Edmonton. Despite the altercation, McDavid recorded four points, including a shorthanded goal, as the Oilers lost 5-4 to Anaheim. The fight resulted in a game misconduct for Podkolzin and a minor penalty for Helleson.
On November 5, 2026, during an NHL game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson delivered a hard hit to Oilers captain Connor McDavid, driving him into the net during the first period. The incident prompted immediate reaction from teammate Vasily Podkolzin, who engaged Helleson in a fight moments later. Referee Cody Beach assessed a five-minute fighting major and game misconduct to Podkolzin, while Helleson received a two-minute roughing penalty. Despite the altercation, McDavid remained in the game and recorded four points—his 17th consecutive game with a point, tying his career high set during the 2021-22 season. He scored a shorthanded goal and assisted on two others, including a late power-play tally by Kasperi Kapanen and a final goal by Leon Draisaitl. However, Anaheim rallied with four unanswered goals in the second and third periods, led by Pavel Mintyukov’s two goals and Beckett Sennecke’s pair, to win 5-4. The Oilers outshot the Ducks 27–21 but could not overcome the deficit. This incident occurred amid McDavid’s historic point streak, which has already surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s previous record for consecutive games with an assist.
The fight underscores the intense loyalty and protective instincts within NHL teams, particularly toward star players like McDavid. Podkolzin’s decision to retaliate reflects a broader cultural norm in hockey where player protection is often met with physical retribution. The Ducks’ front office and coaching staff lik
This incident highlights how high-profile player altercations in hockey can amplify fan engagement while raising concerns about player safety and league enforcement consistency. McDavid’s ability to perform at an elite level despite a hard hit reinforces his status as a generational talent, potentially boosting merchandise sales and viewership for the Oilers. The fight, however, may prompt renewed debate over whether such physical play is acceptable in modern hockey, especially when it involves star players. Comparable cases include the 2014 incident involving Ryan Kesler and Jarome Iginla, where a hit led to widespread discussion about player protection and retaliation. While fights are traditionally seen as part of hockey’s culture, their frequency and context—especially involving elite athletes—could influence how leagues regulate on-ice conduct. The NHL may consider whether such incidents signal a need for stricter enforcement of hits to the head or vulnerable areas. What could eme