Jan 3, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers ahead Leon Draisaitl (29) appears to be like to make a play in entrance of ahead Leo Carlsson (91) throughout the third interval at Rogers Place. Obligatory Credit score: Perry Nelson-Imagn Pictures It is unusual how the NHL’s main goal-scorer and second-leading factors producer just isn’t even thought-about the most effective participant on his group.
Welcome to Leon Draisaitl’s world.
Celebrity captain Connor McDavid nonetheless is king in Edmonton, however Draisaitl confirmed once more Friday why he is a worthy 1B, scoring the go-ahead objective with 1:35 remaining to provide the Oilers a 3-2 victory in opposition to visiting Anaheim.
The Oilers will try to increase their successful streak to 3 video games once they play Saturday night time in Seattle, their first of 4 conferences with the Kraken this season.
Draisaitl’s game-winner was his league-best twenty eighth objective of the season and likewise his ninth successful tally. The 2019-20 Hart Trophy recipient because the NHL MVP is second to Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon (64) in factors with 57.
McDavid, a three-time league MVP and five-time scoring champ, is tied for fourth with 54 factors, as he is missed three video games this season due to accidents.
“I take huge satisfaction in stepping up when it is wanted most,” Draisaitl mentioned. “It is one thing that is actually necessary to me and that I satisfaction myself in.”
The Oilers scored the sport’s first two targets earlier than letting the Geese again in it.
“It wasn’t good by any means — when you might have these leads you wish to just be sure you deliver them dwelling,” Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse mentioned. “However after we had been challenged on the finish, we discovered a option to get that remaining blow.”
Regardless of netting the winner, Draisaitl was essential of his personal efficiency.
“We had plenty of good shifts and attractiveness; their goalie made some huge stops,” he mentioned. “However I believe, all-in-all, particularly on my behalf and my line, there have been too many turnovers. It felt like momentum — we might have it then a turnover would occur, after which it might be back-and-forth.
“That was primarily our line, primarily me. It occurs. These video games come alongside each occasionally, and also you simply study from them.”
The Kraken, in the meantime, had a two-game successful streak snapped with a 4-3 shootout loss Thursday to visiting Vancouver, regardless of rallying from a two-goal deficit within the remaining 11 minutes of regulation to pressure time beyond regulation. Defenseman Vince Dunn scored the tying objective with 53 seconds remaining within the third interval.
“We got here again within the third sturdy and had been in a position to tie it up,” mentioned Kraken ahead Matty Beniers, who has scored in three consecutive video games. “It was pushback, but when we are able to put ourselves in higher conditions going into the third, I believe we will have extra success.”
It was much like final weekend’s historic comeback in Vancouver, when the Kraken turned simply the third group to ever win after rallying from a three-goal deficit within the remaining 5 minutes of regulation in a regular-season sport.
Regardless of their 2-0-1 stretch, the Kraken stay seven factors again within the chase for the Western Convention’s second and remaining wild-card playoff berth.
“At this level, it does not actually matter how. Simply gotta maintain accumulating (factors),” defenseman Brandon Montour mentioned. “We’re in a gap. We put ourselves able the place we have to get as many wins and as many factors as we are able to.”
–Subject Degree Media
