Ice hockey star Leon Draisaitl led the Edmonton Oilers to the quarterfinals of the NHL play-offs. The Cologne player set the course for the Canadians with two goals in the decisive 4-3 win against the Los Angeles Kings, who won the series 4-1 and will now face the Vancouver Canucks or the Nashville Predators. Vancouver currently leads the series 3-2.
Draisaitl’s goals in the second period (28th, 33rd) turned Edmonton’s 1-2 deficit into a 3-2 lead, which the Oilers extended through Zach Hyman. “Our whole group did a really, really good job on defense. We usually score at the front anyway – and then we can win,” said Draisaitl: “We are perhaps a better team than in recent years and are mentally ready for games like this.”
After Los Angeles’ goal, things got tight again in the final third. As in the past two years, Draisaitl’s team ultimately retained the upper hand in the first round series. The Oilers also defeated the Kings in the 2022 (4:3) and 2023 (4:2) series. Draisaitl now has five goals in this year’s play-offs and can continue to dream of the first Stanley Cup of his career.
“Our goal is to play for a long time this season,” said Draisaitl: “That’s why the extra days off are very important now. We’re going to get some rest.”
Previously, the Dallas Stars won 3-2 against the Vegas Golden Knights and took a 3-2 lead in the series. The win in Texas was the first home win for either team in the first round of the playoffs this season. With success in Las Vegas, the stars can make it through to the defending champions.
