The Oilers require a composed and disciplined Leon Draisaitl to lead them through the playoff push.
The Edmonton Oilers are currently enduring a three-game losing streak, and it’s imperative for them to halt it sooner rather than later to prevent it from escalating, similar to the challenges they faced at the start of the season. However, for those teetering on the edge of panic, it’s crucial to consider the broader context: they still boast an impressive record of 20-5-1 in their last 26 games.
Nevertheless, the Oilers find themselves trending unfavorably with their recent string of losses, and what’s concerning is the apparent lack of effort displayed in their performances. They’ve encountered difficulties in various aspects of their play, including a decline in their penalty kill efficiency. One noticeable observation is the evident frustration demonstrated by Leon Draisaitl. Widely regarded as one of the top hockey players globally, he needs to maintain composure and set a positive example for his teammates as they navigate through the crucial playoff stretch.
In their latest Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames, Edmonton started off sluggishly. Despite forward Mattias Janmark’s spirited response to a hit on captain Connor McDavid, which invigorated the home crowd, the momentum was short-lived. Draisaitl’s ill-timed penalty only exacerbated matters. Clearly agitated, he engaged in unnecessary actions resulting in a penalty, allowing Calgary to capitalize on the powerplay and widen their lead to 5-2, nearly extinguishing Edmonton’s hopes of a comeback.
Draisaitl’s actions have raised eyebrows, prompting some hockey analysts to question whether he should be benched. This comes on the heels of a prior game against the Minnesota Wild where he exhibited signs of frustration, engaging in intense exchanges with teammates, officials, and even assistant coach Glen Gulutzan from the bench.
