Connor McDavid's Marvelous Move Scores Gesture of Gratitude From Leon Draisaitl
Appreciative Draisaitl Receiving High-octane Play in NHL
Hit Share Tweet Share Send Print Copy Link Edmonton's ice hockey whiz Leon Draisaitl, shining again, brings his team closest to the NHL playoff semis. The 29-year-old, on a scoring streak, scores his fifth playoff goal - the second game-winner!
But, humble as ever, Draisaitl shrugged off his contribution. "Honestly, I didn't do much for the goal. It's hard to celebrate," admitted the Cologne native about his game-winning goal, cleverly set up by Connor McDavid[1]. Yet, it hardly mattered, as the outcome was 2-0 in the NHL quarterfinals against Vegas Golden Knights, thanks to McDavid's brilliant playmaking and Draisaitl's direct shot[1].
The home stretch is now approaching with two games in their pocket. Edmonton pushed the game into overtime, but after initial struggles, they froze the Golden Knights[1]. Corey Perry dished to McDavid at their own blue line, and the speedster left Jack Eichel in his dust, setting up Draisaitl with some deceptive moves. The latter netted the 5-4 goal[1]. "Sublime setup," praised Draisaitl, admitting "one move like that, and luckily it clicked."
"We Shouldn't Lower Our Guard"
With five goals in the playoffs so far and two game-winners, Draisaitl's name is prominent[1]. Notably, in the eighth finals, he scored the winning goal in the fourth round against the Los Angeles Kings[1]. Now, his stunning performance has routine the Oilers in the critical moments[1]. In the last six games, they enjoyed a sharp advantage in the third period, overtime, and shooting balance, with picker Calvin Pickard maintaining a 95.4% save percentage[1].
In the regular season, Edmonton displayed dominance but failed to close multiple games during the second and third periods[1]. Only in overtime, managing a failed power play, did Draisaitl and McDavid step up to clinch the victory[1]. "It doesn't happen often that they're left off the scoring sheets," said coach Kris Knoblauch about these exceptional results[1]. "When we needed them most, they pulled off a brilliant move."
Edmonton's next home game is due on Sunday night[1]. Although it's promising to return home with a 2-0 lead, the Golden Knights are anticipated to show their best[1]. "We can't let up," said Draisaitl, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the pressure.
[1] ntv.de, tno/sid
- Ice Hockey
- NHL
- Leon Draisaitl
- Connor McDavid
- Vegas Golden Knights
Insight Reference:
- McDavid's brilliant move that led to Draisaitl's game-winning goal in the NHL quarterfinals against Vegas displayed skillful stick-handling, leaving Jack Eichel in his wake, and a precise pass to Draisaitl, who scored with a direct shot. After the play, Draisaitl called it "sublime".
- Leon Draisaitl, the brilliant performer, scored his fifth playoff goal for the Oilers, securing a 2-0 lead in the NHL quarterfinals against the Vegas Golden Knights, a goal set up by Connor McDavid's amazing move.
- Despite his humble demeanor, Leon Draisaitl, a key player for the Oilers in ice hockey, has been instrumental in their success, scoring two game-winning goals in the playoffs, including against the Los Angeles Kings in the eighth finals.
- Draisaitl's performance in critical moments has become a routine for the Oilers, as they enjoyed a sharp advantage in the third period, overtime, and shooting balance in the last six games.
- As the Oilers prepare for their next home game against the Golden Knights, Draisaitl emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure, saying, "We can't let up," highlighting the team's need to continuously perform brilliantly to secure their spot in the NHL playoff semis.
