Phillip Danault Experiences Nausea Following Disappointing Loss to Oilers in Upset Series Match

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august 18, 2025

The Los Angeles Kings’ postseason journey has been consistently curtailed by the Edmonton Oilers, a pattern that is becoming increasingly disheartening for players and fans alike. Despite qualifying for the playoffs in the last four consecutive seasons, the Kings haven’t been able to advance beyond the first round, repeatedly falling to their Alberta-based rivals.

A Recurring Roadblock

This year’s series mirrored previous encounters,with the Kings losing to the Oilers in six games,even with the advantage of home-ice in the initial matchups. Analysts suggest that, given the current NHL playoff structure, Los Angeles is highly likely to encounter Edmonton again in either the first or second round of the next spring tournament.

Overcoming Connor McDavid and the Oilers’ formidable roster is now viewed as a critical prerequisite for the kings to contend for the Stanley Cup. Center Phillip Danault openly acknowledges this challenge and is hoping this upcoming season will finally break the cycle.

Frustration and Optimism

Danault admitted to feeling intensely frustrated with the repeated defeats. Though, he also believes the Kings are on the cusp of a breakthrough, needing only minor adjustments to overcome their opponents.He recognizes that against elite players like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, even small errors can prove costly.

Despite a slight dip in offensive production over the past two seasons-from 54 points to 47 and then 43-Danault remains a defensively sound player, boasting a plus-20 differential in the last campaign.

New Additions Offer hope

The Kings’ front office has been active in the offseason, adding defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci, as well as forwards Corey Perry and Joel Armia, to the roster. Danault is particularly eager about Armia, a former teammate from his time with the Montreal Canadiens, and anticipates Perry’s extensive experience will be a valuable asset to the team.

Notably, Dumoulin, Ceci, Armia, and Perry were all part of the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. This shared experience could perhaps translate to success for the Kings, although realizing a championship may still require notable effort.

Player	Position	Previous Team	Notable Achievement
Brian Dumoulin	Defenseman	Pittsburgh Penguins	two-time Stanley Cup Champion
Cody Ceci	Defenseman	Florida Panthers	Consistent Defensive Contributor
corey Perry	Forward	Chicago Blackhawks	Stanley Cup Champion (2007)
Joel Armia	Forward	Montreal Canadiens	Stanley Cup Finalist (2021)

Did You Know? The Edmonton Oilers have eliminated the Los Angeles Kings from the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, establishing a clear psychological edge in the rivalry.

Pro Tip: Analyzing game film to identify specific weaknesses in the Oilers’ offensive and defensive strategies will be crucial for the kings to develop a winning game plan.

What adjustments do you think the Kings need to make to finally overcome the Oilers? And how significant will the contributions of the new players be?

NHL Playoff Trends and Rivalries

The intensity of NHL playoff rivalries often transcends individual games, shaping team identities and fan experiences.The Kings-Oilers matchup exemplifies this, demonstrating how persistent competition can create a deep-seated dynamic. Understanding the historical context of these rivalries can provide valuable insights into player motivations and strategic approaches. NHL.com offers detailed historical data and analysis of playoff performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary obstacle for the Los Angeles Kings? The primary obstacle is consistently overcoming the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs.
• How does Phillip Danault view the Kings’ chances against the Oilers? Danault believes the Kings are close to beating the Oilers but need to refine their game.
• Who are the key new additions to the Kings’ roster? Brian Dumoulin, Cody Ceci, Corey Perry, and Joel Armia are the key new additions.
• What experience do the new Kings players share? dumoulin, Ceci, Armia, and Perry were all part of the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.
• How important is Connor McDavid to the Oilers’ success? Connor McDavid is a pivotal player for the Oilers and a significant challenge for any opposing team.
• What role will Corey Perry play for the Kings? Corey Perry is expected to bring his extensive experience and leadership to the Kings.
• What is the plus-minus differential of Phillip Danault? Phillip Danault has a plus-20 differential from last season.

Share your thoughts on the kings’ prospects for the upcoming season in the comments below!

How might the Kings adjust post-game protocols to better support players’ mental and physical well-being following a notable loss?

Post-Game Physical Reactions in Elite Athletes

Following the los Angeles Kings’ shocking series defeat to the Edmonton Oilers, reports surfaced indicating center Phillip Danault experienced a bout of nausea. While seemingly minor, this incident highlights the intense physical and emotional toll playoff hockey takes on professional athletes. This isn’t simply about physical exhaustion; the psychological stress of a high-stakes loss can manifest in very real physiological symptoms. Understanding these reactions is crucial for both player well-being and team performance.

The Oilers Series: A Recap of the Upset

The Kings entered the series as favorites, boasting a strong regular season record and a perceived advantage in defensive play. However, the Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, proved too potent. Key factors contributing to the upset included:

Oilers’ Offensive Firepower: McDavid and Draisaitl consistently broke through the Kings’ defense, scoring crucial goals.

Kings’ Power Play Struggles: Despite opportunities, the Kings’ power play failed to capitalize, leaving points on the table.

Goaltending Disparity: While both goalies had moments, the Oilers’ netminder ultimately provided more consistent stability.

Series Momentum Shifts: The Oilers effectively seized momentum at critical junctures, demoralizing the Kings.

The series concluded with a decisive Oilers victory,leaving the Kings and their fans reeling. This unexpected outcome undoubtedly contributed to the emotional distress experienced by players like Phillip Danault.

Nausea as a symptom of Extreme Stress

Nausea, while often associated with illness, can be a direct physiological response to intense stress and emotional trauma. Here’s how it happens:

Fight-or-Flight Response: The body activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline and cortisol.

Digestive System Disruption: Blood flow is diverted away from the digestive system to prioritize muscles and vital organs.This can slow down or halt digestion, leading to nausea.

Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Intense emotional distress can overstimulate the vagal nerve, which plays a role in regulating digestion and heart rate, possibly triggering nausea and even vomiting.

Psychosomatic Response: The mind-body connection is powerful. The sheer disappointment and frustration can manifest as physical symptoms.

This isn’t unique to hockey; athletes in all sports – from basketball and football to tennis and golf – can experience similar reactions after significant losses.

Danault’s Specific Case: Factors at Play

Phillip Danault is known for his consistent, two-way play and his crucial role in the Kings’ defensive structure. The Oilers series presented unique challenges for him, likely exacerbating the stress response:

Defensive Responsibilities: As a key defensive forward, Danault was heavily involved in attempting to contain McDavid and Draisaitl – a physically and mentally draining task.

High Expectations: Entering the playoffs, Danault was expected to be a pivotal player in the Kings’ success. The team’s failure to meet those expectations likely weighed heavily on him.

Physical Exhaustion: The intensity of playoff hockey, combined with the emotional strain, can lead to significant physical exhaustion, further increasing susceptibility to nausea.

Previous Playoff Experiences: While a veteran player, past playoff disappointments can resurface and amplify the emotional impact of current losses.

Managing Stress and Physical Reactions in Professional Hockey

Teams are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health support for their players. Strategies employed to mitigate stress and manage physical reactions include:

Sports Psychology: Providing access to sports psychologists who can teach coping mechanisms and stress management techniques.

Post-Game recovery Protocols: Implementing comprehensive recovery protocols that address both physical and mental fatigue. This includes hydration, nutrition, and mindfulness exercises.

team Support Systems: Fostering a supportive team environment where players feel cozy discussing their emotions and seeking help.

Medical Evaluation: Prompt medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to help players stay present and manage anxiety.

The Broader Impact of Playoff Stress on NHL Players

The pressure cooker environment of the NHL playoffs takes a significant toll on players. Beyond nausea, common symptoms of extreme stress include:

Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety and overthinking.

Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat due to stress and digestive issues.

Increased Irritability: Short temper and difficulty controlling emotions.

Anxiety and Depression: In severe cases, prolonged stress can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Muscle Tension and Headaches: Physical manifestations of stress.

Addressing these issues proactively is vital for player health and long-term career sustainability. The Kings, like other NHL organizations, are likely to review their post-game protocols and mental health support systems considering this experience.

NHL Player Wellness Resources

The NHL and NHLPA offer a range of resources for players struggling with mental health challenges: