Draisaitl injury puts more pressure on Oilers' defensive play EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers face a significant challenge as they navigate the absence of star forward Leon Draisaitl, whose lower body injury has forced the team to adjust its offensive strategy. Head coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the impact of losing Draisaitl, emphasizing the need for the team to simplify its game and prioritize defensive play. “Our game is going to take a dip on the offensive side of it, especially on the power play,” Knoblauch said, noting the team’s reliance on Draisaitl’s scoring ability. The injury, sustained during a hard but clean hit by Nashville’s Ozzy Weisblatt, has left the Oilers cautious about Draisaitl’s return, with Knoblauch expecting him to miss some or all of the remaining games in the homestand. The Oilers have been trending toward a more disciplined defensive approach, bolstered by the emergence of goaltender Connor Ingram. Together, they’ve allowed just nine goals in Ingram’s last five starts, contributing to a 4-0-1 record. However, without Draisaitl, the team must further tighten its defensive structure. “We can't outscore our troubles,” Knoblauch said, stressing the importance of limiting scoring chances and relying on their elite scorers to capitalize on key opportunities. Draisaitl’s absence adds pressure on the Oilers to maintain their defensive identity, a shift that has been a hallmark of their recent success. “When you have Edmonton’s firepower, the trick is to split up a lesser amount of scoring chances with your opponent and count on your elite scorers to cash in on one more chance than the other guys,” Knoblauch explained. The team’s strategy of playing a low-event game, as highlighted by captain Connor McDavid, aims to neutralize opponents and create turnovers.#nashville #edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #kris_knoblauch #ozzy_weisblatt
Leon Draisaitl is set to miss the remainder of the NHL regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury during a game against the Nashville Predators. The 30-year-old center left the ice following a hit from Predators forward Ozzy Wiesblatt in the first period and did not return for the rest of the contest. While he briefly reentered the game near the end of the period, he was sidelined for the second and third periods. Draisaitl, who ranks fourth in the league with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 65 games, is a critical component of the Edmonton Oilers' offense. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly on the top power-play unit, where he leads the team with 16 goals and is second in the NHL with 42 power-play points. Oilers captain Connor McDavid acknowledged the challenge of replacing Draisaitl’s impact, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt and maintain its competitive edge. The Oilers, currently third in the Pacific Division with a 33-26-9 record, have 14 games remaining in the regular season, including a matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. The team is one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights and two behind the Anaheim Ducks in the division. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin April 18, two days after the Oilers’ final regular-season game. Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins highlighted the difficulty of compensating for Draisaitl’s absence, noting that the team must rely on collective effort rather than relying on a single player. “Obviously, he's a top-four scorer, one of the most elite players in the League, so it's not like one guy can just step into his shoes,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “We kind of talked about it this morning; it's a collective thing with our group that everybody's going to need to pick up the slack.#nashville_predators #connor_mcDavid #edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #ozzy_wiesblatt
Oilers expect Leon Draisaitl to miss rest of regular season Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl, who has 97 points in 65 games, is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after sustaining a lower-body injury, the team announced Tuesday. The injury occurred during a hard hit from Nashville’s Ozzy Wiesblatt in the first period of Sunday’s game, which the Oilers won. Draisaitl returned for a few shifts before exiting the game for the start of the second period. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch provided updates on the injury, stating that medical staff indicated it “shouldn’t be a really long injury.” He added, “No immediate red flags,” though he noted that the team would wait for further details. Draisaitl, 30, has 35 goals and 62 assists this season, making him one of the league’s top performers. The Oilers, currently seventh in the Western Conference, are just two points behind fourth-place Anaheim with 14 games remaining in the regular season. Draisaitl’s absence will likely impact the team’s offensive output, as he has been a key contributor to their success. Jason Dickinson is expected to step in as the second-line center while Draisaitl is sidelined. Draisaitl’s career highlights include winning the Hart Trophy as MVP in 2020 and finishing as the runner-up in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final with the Oilers. His absence will test the team’s depth, particularly in a competitive playoff race. The Associated Press contributed to this report.#edmonton_oilers #leon_draisaitl #ozzy_wiesblatt #kris_knoblauch #stanley_cup_final
