Jan 3, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers ahead Leon Draisaitl (29) seems to make a play in entrance of ahead Leo Carlsson (91) throughout the third interval at Rogers Place. Obligatory Credit score: Perry Nelson-Imagn Photographs 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.
Famous person captain Connor McDavid nonetheless is king in Edmonton, however Draisaitl confirmed once more Friday why he is a worthy 1B, scoring the go-ahead aim with 1:35 remaining to present the Oilers a 3-2 victory towards visiting Anaheim.
The Oilers will try to increase their profitable streak to a few video games after they play Saturday evening in Seattle, their first of 4 conferences with the Kraken this season.
Draisaitl’s game-winner was his league-best twenty eighth aim of the season and likewise his ninth profitable 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 massive pleasure in stepping up when it is wanted most,” Draisaitl stated. “It is one thing that is actually vital to me and that I pleasure myself in.”
The Oilers scored the sport’s first two objectives earlier than letting the Geese again in it.
“It wasn’t good by any means — when you have got these leads you wish to just be sure you convey them residence,” Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse stated. “However once we have been challenged on the finish, we discovered a approach to get that closing blow.”
Regardless of netting the winner, Draisaitl was essential of his personal efficiency.
“We had a number of good shifts and beauty; their goalie made some massive 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 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 on occasion, and also you simply study from them.”
The Kraken, in the meantime, had a two-game profitable streak snapped with a 4-3 shootout loss Thursday to visiting Vancouver, regardless of rallying from a two-goal deficit within the closing 11 minutes of regulation to power extra time. Defenseman Vince Dunn scored the tying aim with 53 seconds remaining within the third interval.
“We got here again within the third sturdy and have been capable of 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 turned simply the third group to ever win after rallying from a three-goal deficit within the closing 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 closing wild-card playoff berth.
“At this level, it would not actually matter how. Simply gotta hold gathering (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.”
–Area Stage Media
