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Edmonton Oilers coach calls out Leon Draisaitl for recent trend
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
Leon Draisaitl is finding himself in a rare slump at the moment, and Coach Knoblauch is now calling it out directly.
No Oilers fans will have any real concern about Draisaitl, as he's proven to elevate his game when it matters most at all points in his career. However, his recent slip in play isn't helping the Oilers win games right now.
Oilers coach admits Leon Draisaitl is in a slump
Speaking to the media today after practice, Knoblauch confirmed that Draisaitl is in a slump and trying to force things. It's rare for these Oilers stars to even have a slump this long, and for the coach to comment on it.
Yeah, forcing things. Obviously this isn't Leon's best. I've rarely seen him have a slump. Leon's not playing his best, but the guys around him also aren't playing their best and collectively they're not meshing.
Hopefully Kapanen can come in and maybe give us a little boost, because there's been some chemistry with Podkolzin and Kapanen. I'm not worried about it. We're going to win a lot more hockey games when Davo and Leon are our best players, and it's important we get that.
- Coach Knoblauch
Hopefully Kapanen can come in and maybe give us a little boost, because there's been some chemistry with Podkolzin and Kapanen. I'm not worried about it. We're going to win a lot more hockey games when Davo and Leon are our best players, and it's important we get that.
- Coach Knoblauch
Draisaitl has just 2 points in his last 4 games, and has looked a tad sluggish as of late. Admittedly it's not the longest or least productive slump ever, but it's something most Oilers fans have begun to notice.
Perhaps there is an injury limiting Draisaitl at the moment, and it's something he'll be able to work through over time. In an Olympic season though, every player is going to try to gut through an injury to represent their country.
Perhaps the line shake-up will help Draisaitl get going again, but it's not time for concern after just a few games. He'll certainly be at his best when the games matter more later this year.