Sunrise, Florida -- Leon Draisaitl demonstrated his leadership both on and off the ice, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. This win ties the series at 2-2 and sets the stage for Game 5 in Edmonton on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasted on CBC, TVAS, SN, TNT, truTV, and MAX.
Following a disappointing 6-1 defeat in Game 3, Draisaitl took it upon himself to rally his teammates. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on past mistakes. “We need to look forward,” he declared, embodying the very essence of resilience that his team needed.
In Game 4, Draisaitl delivered on his word, scoring the game-winning goal at 11:18 of overtime. This remarkable achievement not only secured the victory for the Oilers but also etched his name in Stanley Cup Playoff history. The goal marked his fourth overtime score of the postseason, setting a new record for the most overtime goals by a player in a single playoff year. This achievement surpassed legendary players such as Mel Hill (Boston Bruins, 1939), Maurice "Rocket" Richard (Montreal Canadiens, 1951), Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks, 2017), and Matthew Tkachuk (Panthers, 2023), each of whom had three.
Draisaitl has been instrumental in both of Edmonton's victories in this series, having also scored the overtime winner in their 4-3 triumph in Game 1. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse praised Draisaitl's ability to combine words with action, saying, “He’s one of the leaders on this team and one of the best players in the world for a reason.” Nurse highlighted Draisaitl's calm demeanor during tense overtime moments, which allows him to make crucial plays when it matters most.
Despite a shaky start in Game 4, where the Oilers found themselves trailing 3-0 in the first period, Draisaitl remained focused. He acknowledged the team's slow start, stating, “We wanted to come out strong, but they put us on our heels early.” However, the Oilers rebounded in the second period, largely thanks to Draisaitl's two assists, which helped them tie the game at 3-3.
As the game progressed into a nail-biting climax, Florida's Sam Reinhart managed to tie the score at 4-4 with just 20 seconds left in regulation. With overtime looming, Draisaitl showcased his skill and determination. Battling against Panthers forward A.J. Greer, he managed to push the puck towards the net, where it deflected off defenseman Niko Mikkola’s skate, slipping past goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to seal the victory for Edmonton.
Reflecting on the win, Draisaitl remarked, “I think that once again shows you and tells you that our group never quits.” His statement underscores the Oilers' steadfast resolve to overcome challenges. “We believe that no matter how bad it is, if we get over that hump of adversity, we’re going to keep pushing,” he added.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch echoed Draisaitl's sentiments, particularly regarding the team's star players, including Connor McDavid. Both players currently lead the NHL in playoff scoring with 32 points each—Draisaitl with 11 goals and 21 assists, and McDavid with six goals and 26 assists. Knoblauch emphasized Draisaitl's ability to elevate his performance during critical moments, saying, “He has elevated his play in the toughest moments.”
As the series shifts back to Edmonton for Game 5, all eyes will be on Draisaitl and the Oilers as they aim to capitalize on their momentum and continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.
