Panthers Back Nosek After Crucial Penalty in Stanley Cup Final

Nosek Takes Responsibility After Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final Loss

EDMONTON, Alberta – After the Edmonton Oilers’ overtime victory in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, Tomas Nosek faced the long walk from the penalty box to the locker room, aware that his penalty was crucial.

“Yes, it was difficult, for sure. You don’t want to be the one who costs us the game,” Nosek said on Friday, speaking for the first time after his delay-of-game penalty in overtime that led to Leon Draisaitl’s winning goal.
Tomas Nosek

Nosek admitted that everyone can make mistakes, but this one happened at a critical moment. Now, he is focusing on his work and the next game.

The player sent the puck out of the field at 18:17 of overtime, resulting in a delay-of-game penalty. Draisaitl sealed the victory at 19:29. To make matters worse, cameras caught Edmonton defenseman Jake Walman taunting Nosek on his way to the bench.

“No comment on that,” Nosek replied.
Tomas Nosek

Nosek, a 10-year NHL veteran, signed with Florida last summer as a free agent, being the fifth team he has played for in the league. During the regular season, he accumulated 1 goal and 8 assists in 59 games, and 3 assists in 11 playoff games. After Game 1, coach Paul Maurice indicated that the team would support Nosek.

“We wouldn’t be here without Tomas Nosek. It’s a tough blow,” Maurice commented. “We’ll make sure he doesn’t dine alone tonight. He has a lot of people by his side reminding him how important he has been to us.”
Paul Maurice

Jonah Gadjovich, Nosek’s linemate, was one of those who offered him support.

“It happens. Bad luck. But he does many good things for us. Nobody is angry with him, nothing. These are things that happen in a game and obviously we have regrouped and are ready to play tonight. It’s a new day, a new game,” he expressed.
Jonah Gadjovich

Nosek valued the support of his colleagues.