Last Second Heartbreak: Draisaitl's Costly Own Goal Secures Oilers' Defeat
Draisaitl's Personal Entrance Blocked, Remains Sealed
Hop on your social media platforms, friends! The NHL playoffs have been electric, and the latest drama unfolded in Edmonton as Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers faced off against Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3. With the final buzzer looming, Draisaitl couldn't prevent a heartbreaking own goal that sealed their fate.
The clock was winding down, the crowd at Rogers Place ready for overtime, when Vegas launched a last-ditch effort. From a sharp angle, Reilly Smith unleashed a shot, and in a cruel twist of fortune, it was deflected by Leon Draisaitl's stick right into the net, just 0.4 seconds before the end of regulation time. The Oilers were defeated 3-4, and Vegas narrowed the series to 1-2.
"We didn't hold our ground," Draisaitl lamented about the team's defensive missteps leading up to the decisive goal. "Then it was just rubbish luck, unfortunate. The puck ricocheted off my stick, and I was desperately trying to keep it out," he added.
Unprecedented Late-Game Drama
Just two days prior, the Oilers were victorious in Game 2 thanks to Draisaitl's overtime goal - but this time, the tables turned. In the NHL, there are no own goals, and the goal was credited to Smith, making this the latest goal ever credited to a player in the history of NHL playoffs.
"It's a bitter pill to swallow," Draisaitl said about losing in such an unconventional manner. "I've contributed to both goals for the Oilers, but it's all about what's next," he continued with a determination in his voice. "Tomorrow brings a new day. It's important to keep the series lead, and we're aiming for a 3-1 advantage. Then, it's on to Vegas."
In the second game of the day, the Carolina Hurricanes dominated Washington Capitals in their home arena, winning 4-0 and taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid
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- Leon Draisaitl
Fun Fact:
- In 2025, another memorable buzzer-beater was scored by Reilly Smith of the Vegas Golden Knights, cutting the Oilers' series lead to 2-1 in a playoff matchup [1][3]. Historically, while many late goals have been scored, including several game-tying goals during the 2025 playoffs (11 total), Reilly Smith's goal in 2025 remains one of the latest goals ever credited to a player in the history of NHL playoffs. [2] When looking at record-latest goals, it's important to consider those scored at or very near the end of regulation time, such as Reilly Smith's 2025 goal. [2] Keep an eye on future matchups for potential late-game drama and records!
[1] Associated Press (2023, May 8). Draisaitl scores late in OT, Oilers beat Vegas 4-3. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/draisaitl-scores-late-in-ot-oilers-beat-vegas-in-game-2-1.6636008[2] Riolo, D. (2023, November 16). High drama: Late-game goals on display during 2025 NHL playoffs. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/news/late-game-goals-galore-during-2025-nhl-playoffs/c-321512258[3] Goldstein, M. (2025, April 15). Smith's heroics come in clutch as Golden Knights rally to stun Maple Leafs. Retrieved from https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/smiths-heroics-come-clutch-golden-knights-rally-stun-maple-leafs
- Leon Draisaitl's own goal in regulation time gave Vegas Golden Knights a 3-4 win over the Oilers in Game 3 of the NHL playoffs.
- Draisaitl shared his frustration about the loss, stating, "We didn't hold our ground, then it was just rubbish luck."
- Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Draisaitl remains determined to keep the Oilers' series lead and aim for a 3-1 advantage.
- Reilly Smith, the Golden Knights player who profited from Draisaitl's own goal, also scored a memorable buzzer-beater against the Oilers in 2025, cutting their series lead to 2-1.
- Keep an eye on future matchups for potential late-game drama and records in the NHL.
