Leon Draisaitl didn't hold back when he spoke about the Edmonton Oilers' need for improvement as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season. The German Olympian, fresh from rejoining the team, was candid during his first practice in Anaheim before their showdown with the Ducks.
Draisaitl's earlier comments had already stirred up Oilers fans, emphasizing that everyone, from players to coaches, needs to step up their game. He stuck to his guns, reiterating, “We just have to be better.
It’s not just the players; we all have to look in the mirror. It starts at the top and goes all the way down.”
He made it clear that his words weren't meant to single anyone out. “I wasn’t trying to throw anyone under the bus.
If anything, I throw myself first under the bus. But it’s just a fact.
We have to be better, and we got to change some things. We’re in a race right now, with 20-some games left.
We can’t be cruising around like maybe in years past.”
Reflecting on their recent performance, Draisaitl pointed out the inconsistency that plagued the team, especially during an eight-game homestand that ended with a disappointing 4-5 record. Since then, the Oilers have brought in Paul Coffey as an assistant coach, hoping to inject some fresh energy.
Despite sitting second in the Pacific Division with a 28-22-8 record, the Oilers find themselves eighth in the Western Conference in points percentage. This California road trip is crucial, with the Ducks poised to overtake them if they win in regulation.
“We know the position we’re in. We got to win games.
We have to bank in points and secure our spot in the playoff race,” Draisaitl emphasized. “They’re [Anaheim] a good team.
They’ve had a great year. They’ve taken a big step, so it’s going to be a challenge.”
The Oilers face a tough schedule with three games in four days, starting with a game against the Ottawa Senators on March 3. Coach Kris Knoblauch underscored the importance of this stretch, saying, “Especially this road trip, there’s not a stretch of games that are probably more important than they are right now, playing the California teams.
Anaheim being one of them. I believe they’re healthy, and they’ll be ready to play, and it’ll be an important game for us tomorrow.”
With only 24 games left, the Oilers are on the brink of either securing a playoff spot or missing out, making every game a must-win as they push towards the postseason.