Draisaitl Lifts Oilers Over Panthers in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
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By Doug Hirdle
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Summary:
- Leon Draisaitl scored the overtime winner on Wednesday in the Edmonton Oilers’ 4-3 victory against the Florida Panthers.
- The win also brought the Oilers the 1-0 series lead over Florida.
- Game 2 is scheduled on Friday at Rogers Place.
Leon Draisaitl left everything on the ice in last year’s Stanley Cup Final, battling through painful hand and rib injuries as the Edmonton Oilers came close to lifting the Cup high above their heads.
Despite the physical toll, the 29-year-old German born in Köln managed to push through to end the playoffs with no less than 10 goals and 11 assists, once again proving his grit and determination.
Fast forward nearly a year, and the centre is back to full health. In Game 1 of the highly anticipated rematch against the defending champion Florida Panthers, the player knew just how to make his presence felt on the ice.
On Wednesday night, as the score was tied in overtime, Draisaitl gave his best and buried a power-play goal at 19:29, giving Edmonton a thrilling 4-3 victory along with an early 1-0 series lead.
Draisaitl: “It’s a Special Feeling.”
Commenting on the game-winner, which was set up by Connor McDavid’s and Corey Perry’s slick passing play, Draisaitl said it was “tough to describe“.
Some incredible plays that made it pretty ‘easy’ for me to put that home. It’s a special feeling.
It was Leon Draisaitl’s second of the night as well as his third overtime winner this postseason, tying a league record.
The crowd at Rogers Place erupted as he ended a tense comeback effort that saw the Oilers claw back from a 3-1 deficit.
McDavid, as always, was in the middle of it all. “You can’t put a number on it,” the 28-year-old Richmond Hill native said when asked about Draisaitl’s impact.
He’s invaluable. Clutch, faceoffs — you name it, he does it. He doesn’t get enough respect or credit for his defensive capabilities. There’s maybe nobody better.
Unlike last season, when the Oilers were riddled with injuries by the final, this year’s squad is in much better shape.
“Some of our guys got pretty banged up early last year,” Draisaitl said, explaining the “fatigue just seems to set in a little bit quicker” at times and adding, “It’s nice to feel good and healthy.”
Coach Knoblauch: “We’re Pretty Fortunate Right Now.”
Head coach Kris Knoblauch credits their improved health to shorter series and longer recovery time.
Knoblauch, who was named the 18th head coach in the team’s history at the end of 2023, spoke about the “two long breaks after series” that gave them plenty of recovery time, helping everybody, including injured players.
“We’re pretty fortunate right now“, the 46-year-old added.
Wednesday’s win also broke Florida’s unbeaten playoff streak when leading after the first or second period — they were previously 31-0 since 2023.
“It’s great for right now”, Draisaitl said. “But we’ve got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2”.
That next battle comes Friday night, back on home ice, followed by a shift to Sunrise, Florida, for Game 3 on Monday night.
Can the Oilers pick up their 6th Stanley Cup – their first since 1990? Get latest hockey odds from Canadian Sportsbooks with Betting.ca
