Bruce Cassidy of Vegas lashes out at the uncalled trip that hurt Brayden McNabb prior to the Oilers’ overtime goal.
The Vegas Golden Knights were stunned in heartbreaking fashion in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers. What should have been a tight overtime battle ended in controversy after the Oilers scored the winning goal—just seconds after Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was taken out on what many felt was a blatant trip. Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy didn’t mince words afterward, unloading on the officials for the no-call that directly preceded Edmonton’s game-winning tally.
The sequence unfolded with just over four minutes into the overtime period. As McNabb skated back into his defensive zone to retrieve the puck, Oilers forward Zach Hyman appeared to clip his skate from behind. McNabb lost his balance, crashed awkwardly into the boards, and was slow to get up. With McNabb still reeling on the ice and the Golden Knights caught out of position, Oilers star Connor McDavid found Leon Draisaitl wide open in the slot. Draisaitl buried the puck past Logan Thompson for the sudden-death winner.
“He was clearly taken out. It’s a trip—simple as that, and it leads directly to the goal,” Cassidy said during a fiery postgame press conference. “I don’t understand how that’s not called. He’s a key part of our defense, and we’re down a man because of a dangerous play that goes uncalled in overtime of a playoff game.”
The Golden Knights had clawed their way back from a 3-1 deficit in the third period, tying the game at 3-3 with just under six minutes remaining in regulation thanks to a power play goal by Jack Eichel. With momentum on their side, Vegas entered overtime with energy and belief.
But that optimism was abruptly deflated with the missed trip and subsequent game-winner.
Replays showed McNabb’s right skate making contact with Hyman’s stick, which was extended toward the ice as Hyman made a lunging poke-check. While incidental contact is a part of playoff hockey, McNabb’s trajectory, the force of the fall, and the fact that he did not return to the game after the collision all added to the frustration in the Golden Knights’ locker room.
“We’ve been told all season that stick infractions below the knees will be called, especially if it causes a player to fall,” said captain Mark Stone. “So what are we supposed to think when one happens in overtime and nothing gets called?”
Bruce Cassidy is no stranger to controversial officiating. During his time with the Boston Bruins, he was fined in 2021 for criticizing officials following a playoff loss to the New York Islanders. Now, with Vegas, he once again finds himself questioning the standard being applied in the postseason.
“If that happens in the first period, maybe they call it. But why not in overtime? Are we officiating the clock or the game?” Cassidy said. “Player safety has to matter. It’s not just about the missed call—it’s about what it caused. McNabb gets injured, we’re caught out of position, and they capitalize. Game over.”
The NHL’s officiating has long come under fire for so-called “playoff leniency,” where the standard for penalties seems to shift during the postseason. Many players and coaches have expressed concerns over the years about the unpredictability of what is and isn’t called.
Cassidy was clear that he wasn’t using the missed trip as an excuse for the loss—but he demanded accountability.
“We had our chances. I’ll take ownership of some of the things we could’ve done better. But when something that obvious happens and it’s ignored, there has to be some accountability on that side too,” Cassidy added.
McNabb, a key shutdown defenseman for the Golden Knights, left the ice slowly after the trip and did not return for the remainder of overtime. The team has not yet released an official update on his condition, but Cassidy confirmed postgame that McNabb was “shaken up.”
“He’s being evaluated right now. It was a dangerous fall. Anytime a guy goes into the boards awkwardly like that, you worry about the shoulder, maybe even the head. We’re hopeful it’s nothing serious,” Cassidy said.
Losing McNabb for any length of time would be a significant blow to Vegas. The veteran blueliner is often tasked with defending the opponent’s top line and brings a physical, steady presence that the team leans on heavily in high-pressure situations.
As of Thursday morning, the NHL had not commented on the incident. It remains unclear whether the league will release an officiating review statement or offer clarification on why no penalty was assessed.
On social media, the missed call ignited a firestorm among fans, with “#McNabb” trending on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes of the game’s conclusion. Analysts on ESPN and Sportsnet echoed Cassidy’s concerns, with many pointing out that the trip was “clear and egregious” in real time.
Former NHL referee Tim Peel, now a frequent media contributor, weighed in on the incident during a podcast appearance shortly after the game.
“That’s a trip. No doubt about it. In any game, that should be called. I’m shocked it wasn’t, especially in overtime, where the stakes are highest.”
Cassidy’s frustration was shared throughout the Vegas locker room. Veteran defenseman Alec Martinez didn’t hold back when asked about the play.
“You can’t let something like that slide. McNabb is a warrior for us. He eats pucks, he blocks shots, he plays hard every shift. For him to be taken out like that and nothing to be done—it’s just wrong.”
Goaltender Logan Thompson, who made 32 saves in the losing effort, also voiced his disappointment.
“We battled hard to get it to overtime. And then something like that happens—bang—it’s in the net before we even realize what’s going on. I’m not sure how we’re supposed to defend when one of our guys is lying on the ice and the ref’s arm stays down.”
The Golden Knights now face a 1-0 series deficit heading into Game 2, and possibly without one of their most reliable defensemen. Cassidy acknowledged the emotional challenge of moving past such a controversial ending but emphasized the importance of mental toughness.
“We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves. The series isn’t over. It’s one game. But we’ll be demanding some clarity from the league. Our guys deserve better, and so does the game.”
Game 2 will take place Friday night at Rogers Place in Edmonton, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric—and the tension even higher. Cassidy did not confirm whether McNabb would be available for the matchup but noted that Ben Hutton and Kaedan Korczak could be options if a lineup change is necessary.
Unfortunately, incidents like this aren’t rare in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL has long grappled with its playoff officiating standards, which often shift dramatically from the regular season. For coaches like Cassidy, who emphasize discipline and structure, that inconsistency can be maddening.
“I’ve said this before: just call the game. Don’t manage it, don’t shape it. Call what you see. If it’s a penalty in October, it’s a penalty in May,” Cassidy reiterated.
Vegas fans are hoping the league hears that message—and acts on it—before this series tilts too far in Edmonton’s favor. As for the Golden Knights themselves, they’ll try to turn their frustration into fuel as they regroup for what promises to be a heated, physical Game 2.
In playoff hockey, momentum is everything. And controversial moments like the one involving Brayden McNabb can swing the emotional and physical edge in a series. Whether the NHL acknowledges the missed call or not, the Golden Knights are left to navigate the aftermath—mentally, strategically, and possibly without a key defenseman.
For Bruce Cassidy, the message is clear: his team will not go quietly, but they expect fairness and accountability.
“We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for the rules to be applied. That’s all. That’s what the game deserves, and that’s what our players deserve.”
As Game 2 approaches, all eyes will be on both benches—and on the referees, who now find themselves part of the story. Can Vegas respond with resolve? Or will the sting of injustice linger into the weekend?
