Draisaitl’s team is on the brink
The dramatic crash of the Oilers
01/21/2022 11:41 am
The Edmonton Oilers slide deeper and deeper into the crisis, Leon Draisaitl’s dream of the Stanley Cup coup threatens to burst prematurely. The series of bankruptcies also attacks his nerves. The team’s blatant crisis of form is inexplicable, even for experts.
After the seventh bankruptcy in a row, Leon Draisaitl preferred to stay away from the press conference. It was probably better that way, because the ice hockey superstar is currently, well, easily irritable. During his last appearance in front of the media, the Edmonton Oilers striker had a bizarre duel with a reporter that gives a deep insight. The nerves are raw.
Experienced journalist Jim Matheson asked Draisaitl what the main reason for Edmonton’s series of bankruptcies in the NHL was. “We have to improve in everything,” he replied tight-lipped. “Would you like to explain that in more detail?” the reporter asked. “No,” said Draisaitl, and after a short pause he added provocatively: “You can do it. You know everything.” Matheson then teased: “Why are you so pissed off, Leon?”. He replied: “I’m not, I’m just answering your question.”
Of course, Draisaitl revealed much more with the sarcastic tone and offended expression. The blatant crisis in form of the Oilers, which is also inexplicable for experts, is gnawing at Draisaitl’s nerves. His “Stanley Cup” mission, which began so promisingly with an outstanding start to the season, is in danger of failing early on. Once again.
What an embarrassment
After the embarrassing 6-0 loss to the Florida Panthers, Edmonton is second to last in the Pacific Division. Missing the play-offs is imminent, which would be a huge failure given the tremendous talent in the roster. The question arises more and more whether the scorer kings Draisaitl and Connor McDavid can also deliver when the going gets tough.
“This is a real test of leadership,” Edmonton defense attorney Darnell Nurse said. When you’re on a good run, it’s easy to “be a leader.” But getting out of the current crisis is “a test for all the leaders in our team,” said Nurse: “You have to show up with your safety helmet every day, that’s the only way to get out of it.”
Draisaitl is not playing a bad season, by any means. 54 points (26 goals, 28 assists) in 36 games is still an outstanding number. But in the five games so far in 2022, the native of Cologne has only scored three points. Draisaitl – just like the entire team – got out of step, which is also due to the cancellation of games due to corona. But many other teams have the same problem.
Draisaitl must now prove that he can be a leader even in times of crisis. Reporter Matheson wanted to know from Draisaitl whether it was appropriate for him to let his frustration out on the ice for everyone to see, as he did in the 4-6 win against Ottawa. The German NHL professional smiled smugly and replied full of sarcasm: “Yes, that’s a great thing, for sure.”