The Edmonton Oilers are showing resilience as they adjust to life without Leon Draisaitl. The German forward will miss the remainder of the NHL regular season with a lower-body injury, forcing the team to adapt during a crucial stretch.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch believes the response has been encouraging. He said the group is now playing with playoff urgency and has simplified its game.
“We’re looking more like we’re playing a playoff game, like things matter, attention to detail, and we’re simplifying our game,” Knoblauch said. “It’s nice to see. And obviously, the games are so important right now that everyone seems like they’re dialed in and they know the urgency to play right.”
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Knoblauch also noted that losing a top player has pushed others to elevate their performance.
“Well, sometimes also when you lose one of your top players, and we lost Leon, it just allows everyone to step up to their game and play a little differently,” Knoblauch said. “And you know, obviously we miss Leon, and we can’t wait to have him back, but I think our team’s done a pretty good job of rising to the occasion.”
Edmonton sits second in the Pacific Division with a 36-28-9 record. They trail the Anaheim Ducks but have created a gap over Vegas after this win.
The Oilers have struggled with consistency this season, especially defensively. However, recent performances suggest growth in structure and discipline. If they maintain this level, Edmonton could enter the playoffs stronger, even before Draisaitl’s expected return.
Oilers Coach Praised Goalie Connor Ingram
That mindset was clear in a 4-3 overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights. Evan Bouchard scored the winner after a key penalty kill, highlighting improved defensive commitment. The Oilers responded each time they conceded, refusing to let the game slip.
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Goalie Connor Ingram made 26 saves, and he now has a 12-8-2 record this season.
“Yes, he [Ingram] made some saves on the penalty kill, but I don’t think any save was bigger than the one he made with about four or five minutes left,” Knoblauch said. “We had a little breakdown in the defensive zone. There’s a guy all alone at the net, and he threw out his blocker to make a big save, and if he doesn’t make that, we don’t get any points most likely.
“So, you know, it’s Connor’s, you know, another solid game from him tonight.”
So, contributions across the lineup are helping offset Draisaitl’s absence.
Connor McDavid Reaches 800 Points
Meanwhile, captain Connor McDavid continues to lead the charge. He recorded a goal and two assists, while also reaching 800 career assists in just 785 games.
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McDavid’s form has been key, with four goals in his last three outings, and he has now scored 121 points this season, tied with Nikita Kucherov for the league lead.
