Melodramatic Finish in Game 3: Draisaitl's Unlucky Own Goal Seals Oilers Defeat
Intense closing act: Draisaitl's "Owners' Gate" locked as Oilers make an emotional appeal
Get ready for the high-stakes drama of the NHL! In an electrifying turn of events, the Edmonton Oilers, led by Leon Draisaitl, experience a heart-wrenching loss in Game 3 of their series against the Vegas Golden Knights. The crowd at Rogers Place was on the edge of their seats as overtime seemed imminent, but fate had other plans.
Just as the final buzzer was about to sound, Reilly Smith launched a shot from an unlikely angle. The puck diverted off Draisaitl's stick and slipped into the net, 0.4 seconds before the end of regulation time. The Oilers were left defeated, with a score of 3-4, as the Vegas Golden Knights narrowed the series to 1-2.
Draisaitl was remorseful about the team's defensive performance leading up to the decisive goal. "We didn't do a good job," he said. Referring to the unfortunate deflection, he added, "It was just bad luck. The puck hits my stick and I'm just trying to keep it out of the net. It's just a stupid bounce."
Last Goal in Playoff History
The Oilers had previously clinched Game 2 thanks to a goal by Draisaitl in overtime. Strangely, he was also involved in the decisive moment of this game, though it went down as a goal by Smith. It is worth noting that no goal has ever been scored so close to the end of regulation time in NHL playoff history, according to ESPN's database.
"It's an unfortunate way to lose," Draisaitl reflected. Looking ahead, he remained optimistic, stating, "Tomorrow is a new day. It's good to be up 2-1. The day after tomorrow, we want to go up 3-1, then it's on to Vegas."
In a separate game, the Carolina Hurricanes won impressively against the Washington Capitals in their own arena, taking a 2-1 lead in their series.
Insight: The dramatic late goal by Reilly Smith against the Oilers was assisted by Jack Eichel. This goal marked the quickest late-game winning goal in playoff history, overtaking the previous record held by the New York Islanders in 1982.
Victory Amidst Adversity
The Golden Knights' victory was all the more impressive given that they were missing key player Mark Stone due to an upper-body injury. Moreover, their resilience was showcased as they recovered from losing the first two games at home. Goalie Adin Hill, with 17 savings, helped secure the win for Vegas, while Stuart Skinner, in for the injured Calvin Pickard, made 20 saves for Edmonton but couldn't prevent defeat.
Upcoming Match
Game 4 will be played on Monday night in Edmonton. The Oilers will look to regain their advantage and move one step closer to securing the series.
- NHL
- Ice Hockey
- Leon Draisaitl
- Despair for the Edmonton Oilers as Leon Draisaitl's own goal, deflected in the final moments of regulation time, secures a 4-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 3.
- In surprising circumstances, Draisaitl's unfortunate own goal became the quickest late-game winning goal in NHL playoff history, breaking the previous record set by the New York Islanders in 1982.
- On Monday night in Game 4, the Oilers are determined to bounce back from their defeat, aiming to regain their series advantage over the Vegas Golden Knights in their own arena.
- The Golden Knights' victory, amidst the absence of key player Mark Stone, serves as a reminder of their resilience and tenacity as they seek to turn the series around.
- Hockey enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the next game, kept on their toes by the high-stakes drama unfolding in the NHL playoffs.
