German ice hockey star Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers are sliding ever deeper into crisis in the North American professional league NHL. The Canadians, who started the season as co-favorites for the Stanley Cup, also lost the home game against the New York Rangers 3-0, thus suffering their sixth defeat in their seventh game of the season.
In the absence of his strike partner Connor McDavid, who was still injured, Draisaitl received the most playing time of all Oilers outfield players, but he was also unable to convince.
“A tough game for our group,” Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft said afterwards. “Certainly we are in the mud puddle right now and the only way to get out of it is to work our way out of it.”
Seider and Stützle with an assist
Things didn’t go any better for the other Germans on Thursday evening (local time). The Detroit Red Wings around Moritz Seider, who got off to a strong start, lost 4-1 at home to the Winnipeg Jets, with Seider at least providing the assist for his team’s only goal. This means the 22-year-old already has eight scorer points in the current season.
Tim Stützle and the Ottawa Senators were narrowly defeated by the New York Islanders 2-3 away. The 21-year-old Stützle also provided an assist, his sixth of the season. He has also already scored two goals himself.
Bernd Schwickerath Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 2 Jürgen Kalwa, New York Published/Updated: , Bernd Schwickerath Published/Updated: ,
The San Jose Sharks’ guest appearance with Nico Sturm at Tampa Bay Lightning was bitter. There was nothing to gain for the Californians in Florida, the Sharks lost 6-0. Goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer was not used in the Seattle Kraken’s 3-2 defeat at the Carolina Hurricanes.
Meanwhile, the former champion Colorado Avalanche’s impressive record streak came to an end. After 15 away wins in a row, the team from Denver lost 4-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was also Colorado’s first loss of the season.
