Draisaitl's Overtime Heroics Send Oilers Soaring, 2-0 Against Vegas
NHL hype: Draisaitl is experiencing extraordinary gameplay this season
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Who needs a solo act when you've got a duo like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? The dynamic pairing lifted the Edmonton Oilers over the Vegas Golden Knights yet again, securing a 2-0 win in Game 2 of the NHL's second round quarterfinals on May 8, 2025.
In an electrifying overtime display, it was Draisaitl who struck the decisive blow, scoring off a delicious pass from McDavid at 15:20. The goal came after a failed five-minute power play, which the Oilers had earned earlier due to a major cross-checking penalty on Vegas' Nicolas Roy[1][5].
Draisaitl's Clincher: A Rush of Success
The overtime winner was the icing on the cake for the German, who had already netted five goals in the current playoffs, and two of them were game-winning scores. He had been instrumental in the Oilers' previous victory too, having scored in overtime to level the series against the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round[1].
McDavid Set the Stage, Draisaitl Sealed the Deal
While Draisaitl got the credit for the game-winner, he was quick to pass on the appreciation. "I didn't really contribute to the goal. It's hard to celebrate," said the Cologne native about his goal. However, he praised McDavid's "world-class" preparation, which set the stage for the winning moment[1].
The series now moves to the Rogers Place for two home games. "It's nice to go home with a 2-0 lead, but the Golden Knights will still show their best. We have to keep the pressure on," Draisaitl stated[1].
Key Moments and Highlights of the Game
- The Oilers came close to securing a win in regulation time, but they couldn't hold onto leads of 3-1 in the second period or 4-2 in the third[1].
- Oilers scorers included Vasily Podkolzin, Jake Walman, Darnell Nurse, and Evander Kane[1][2].
- Key assists came from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Viktor Arvidsson, both of whom contributed two assists each[1].
- Goalie Calvin Pickard made 28 saves, with a minor scare when Tomas Hertl fell on his leg late in the third period[1].
- The Golden Knights' offense was led by Victor Olofsson (two power-play goals and an assist), Alex Pietrangelo (a goal and an assist), and William Karlsson. Jack Eichel and Mark Stone contributed multiple assists[1].
With this win, the Oilers have shown their mettle, bouncing back from setbacks to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The Golden Knights will need to dig deep if they want to avoid a repetition of the series' first two games[1][2][5].
Sources:
[1] ESPN
[2] TSN
[5] Hockey-Reference
- The German sensation, Leon Draisaitl, continued his brilliant playoff form, scoring the overtime winner to send the Edmonton Oilers soaring against the Vegas Golden Knights in an NHL playoff game.
- Draisaitl's overtime goal against Vegas was the second game-winning score of the playoffs for him, highlighting his impact on the team.
- In the following game on Whatsapp group chats, Oilers fans discussed Draisaitl's crucial role in the team's success and his growing legend status in the NHL.
- As the series shifts to the Oilers' home turf, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers aim to maintain their 2-0 lead against the Golden Knights, using their home advantage to further their success in the playoffs.
