Former Oiler calls out Leon Draisaitl for harsh reason after Game 3
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Leon Draisaitl is known for being one of the best playoff players currently in the NHL, but former Oiler Jason Strudwick called out a lack of effort after Game 3 against Vegas.
There's been speculation that Draisaitl is currently playing through an injury this playoffs, especially after he returned to play in Game 1 of the first round after missing Game 82.
Former Oiler calls out Leon Draisaitl for poor effort in Game 3
On the GotYerBack Podcast, former Oiler Jason Strudwick and TSN insider Ryan Rishaug called out Draisaitl for lazy skating throughout the last two games.
RISHAUG: It was not a great night for 29. He just didn't look like Leon tonight, and his bar is high. Two games in a row where Leon hasn't been the beast we normally see in playoff time.
STRUDWICK: I didn't like the way he was not skating. I think he's the most effective when he's moving his feet, because he's being and he can skate.
STRUDWICK: I didn't like the way he was not skating. I think he's the most effective when he's moving his feet, because he's being and he can skate.
It's a harsh comment to say Draisaitl's isn't skating, implying an actual lack of effort in the most important games of the season.
Draisaitl surely hasn't his best games in the last two contests, but he's still obviously giving it his all. If an injury is limiting his skating, that may just be an unfortunate reality of this year.
On the worst play of the game, the winning goal from Reilly Smith, Draisaitl did tip the puck into his own net - but he was also the only one trying to make a meaningful contribution on defence with his backcheck. Darnell Nurse, Connor McDavid, and Stuart Skinner were out to lunch.
Draisaitl's skating may be limited with an issue, but there's no question he's trying to skate his hardest in the playoffs. He may need to adjust his game to be more defensively available, and the Oilers can still win with Draisaitl pushing through injury.
| POLL | ||
MAI 11 | 790 ANSWERS Former Oiler calls out Leon Draisaitl for harsh reason after Game 3 Do you think Draisaitl is currently playing through injury? | ||
| Yes | 622 | 78.7 % |
| No | 168 | 21.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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