Viktor Arvidsson’s controversial overtime trip sparks outrage after Vegas Golden Knights' loss

Vegas Golden Knights players and fans, as well as rapper Lil Wayne, were enraged after an uncalled-for journey by Edmonton Oilers forward Viktor Arvidsson on Brayden McNabb was the direct cause of Game 2 overtime tally by Leon Draisaitl. Among the people who couldn't believe the non-call was rap mogul Lil Wayne, who took to X: "Knights just got robbed." That mood resonated throughout the world of hockey, from outraged Golden Knights players to angry fans and media observers.During Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Edmonton Oilers forward Viktor Arvidsson looked like he knocked out Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb in the open ice, and Connor McDavid's breakaway goal against Leon Draisaitl resulted from it. The win tied the series 2-0. But before the go-ahead goal, Viktor Arvidsson's stick appeared to be utilized as a ‘can-opener’, and Brayden McNabb struggled to get up on the ice before ultimately leaving for the locker room. Social media was abuzz with reaction. Vegas Hockey Now's Hannah Kirkell labeled the play ‘a horrific no-call’, and The Athletic's Jesse Granger quoted Mark Stone and Victor Olofsson labeling the trip ‘clear’ and ‘dangerous’.Commentators felt shock. Russell Morgan tweeted, “Oilers win it a few seconds after the missed call on Viktor Arvidsson; you can’t make this up.”Ryan Wallis simply stated, “The play from Arvidsson to McNabb was dirty. I can’t believe they let that one go.” The controversy also divided some fans and analysts on whether it was intentional or an accident. Tony Cordasco wrote, “It’s not like he crosschecked him in the face lol. His stick got stuck. Didn’t try to injure McNabb,” while Chris Gawlik said: “Players can play through a broken nose, no big deal. McNabb could be out months with a shoulder. Or…imagine if he goes headfirst into the boards, as he almost did, because of the play.”Golden Knights fans, who made their voices known in both delight and derision throughout the postseason, reacted in a tempest of feeling. Some cited further missed calls on earlier in the game—including the non-call against Tomas Hertl and a high stick taken on Jack Eichel—as an indication of greater game-wide officiating inconsistency. Others saw it in terms of lost potential: “VGK wins that game 49 times out of 50 – throughout their history, they have won so many playoff games exactly like that one that we almost expect it, and it’s a shock when they actually lose one,” a fan said.Not everyone, though, pinned everything on the referees. Some blamed poor goaltending by Adin Hill and Edmonton's ability to convert on the counterattack as root causes, the Golden Knights having let too many odd-man rushes against them. As the series goes back to Las Vegas, the Golden Knights aren't just playing the Edmonton Oilers—they're also fighting frustration and injuries, and Brayden McNabb's status is now up in the air. The team will have to get refocused quickly to escape a scary 3-0 series hole. Also read: Oilers lean on depth and drama to snatch Game 2 from VegasAnd if the NHL Department of Player Safety does not take another look at Arvidsson's trip, the fans will wonder even more at league officiating standards.