NHL Insiders Issue Warning to Jake Walman and the Oilers Before Game 2 vs. Panthers

With Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final deep into overtime, the Florida Panthers were desperate for a break. For ten agonizing minutes, they weathered a furious Edmonton Oilers forecheck, two breakaways included.

And then, with under two minutes remaining, fourth-line center Tomas Nosek attempted to clear the puck out from deep in the Florida zone. Loitering along the rim of his net, Nosek spotted Oilers winger Vasily Podkolzin approaching.

Leaning to apply a stick check, Podkolzin was not moving. Nosek panicked and accidentally flipped the puck out of play over the glass, a delay-of-game penalty. In an OT playoff period where not many whistles blow, this was a costly mistake.

As Nosek proceeded to the box, clearly rattled, Oilers defenseman Jake Walman cruised over, smiling and goading the irate Panther.

It was a boorish gesture, one that would have made Nosek the face of scapegoats had Edmonton taken advantage of the man-advantage, which they ended up doing. Was Walman's jab across the line? Judgment is split.

Former Oiler and 'Spittin' Chiclets' host Ryan Whitney deplored the instant, advising Edmonton not to taunt Florida before Game 2 tonight.

Bill Horosz of 'On the Prowl' echoed the warning, insisting that the Oilers would regret "poking the bear."

Others, though, were in love with Walman's tenacity, praising that teams win championships with "psychopaths" like him.

Game 2 has now become much more personal, as fans and analysts alike will be watching at the edge of their seats.