Jan 3, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers ahead Leon Draisaitl (29) seems to be 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 will not be even thought of one of the best participant on his workforce.
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 present the Oilers a 3-2 victory towards visiting Anaheim.
The Oilers will try to increase their successful streak to a few video games after 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 in addition 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 large pleasure in stepping up when it is wanted most,” Draisaitl stated. “It is one thing that is actually necessary to me and that I pleasure 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 have got these leads you need to just be sure you convey them house,” Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse stated. “However after we have been challenged on the finish, we discovered a method to get that remaining blow.”
Regardless of netting the winner, Draisaitl was crucial of his personal efficiency.
“We had plenty of good shifts and attractiveness; their goalie made some large stops,” he stated. “However I feel, all-in-all, particularly on my behalf and my line, there have been too many turnovers. It felt like momentum — we’d have it then a turnover would occur, after which it will be back-and-forth.
“That was primarily our line, primarily me. It occurs. These video games come alongside each from time to time, 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 power additional time. Defenseman Vince Dunn scored the tying objective with 53 seconds remaining within the third interval.
“We got here again within the third robust and have been in a position to tie it up,” stated Kraken ahead Matty Beniers, who has scored in three consecutive video games. “It was pushback, but when we will put ourselves in higher conditions going into the third, I feel we will have extra success.”
It was much like final weekend’s historic comeback in Vancouver, when the Kraken grew to become simply the third workforce to ever win after rallying from a three-goal deficit within the remaining 5 minutes of regulation in a regular-season recreation.
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 would not actually matter how. Simply gotta preserve amassing (factors),” defenseman Brandon Montour stated. “We’re in a gap. We put ourselves ready the place we have to get as many wins and as many factors as we will.”
–Discipline Stage Media
