Leon Draisaitl snaps on Elias Lindholm after loss to Canucks

Last night the Oilers lost a tough contest to their rival Vancouver Canucks, getting swept in the season series. The frustrating of losing got to Draisaitl, who went after Lindholm at the end of the game.

The Oilers were pressing with the empty net in the dying seconds of the game, and when it was clear they wouldn't have another chance at the net, Draisaitl set his sights on Elias Lindholm. Draisaitl moved toward him and made a motion to make a slash, but didn't follow through. Lindholm didn't even flinch, and stared him down as Draisaitl skated back to the dressing room. Draisaitl's fake out was a bit reminiscent of Jordan Binnington's infamous move against Erik Karlsson.




It's incredibly frustrating for the Oilers to drop the season series against their rival Canucks, and it clearly got to the highly-competitive Draisaitl near the end. The Oilers and Canucks could cross paths in this year's playoffs - the Oilers needed to send a message they wouldn't go down without a fight. Although the Oilers were swept in the season series, the first few games were early in the season under Jay Woodcroft, and last night without McDavid obviously puts the team at a disadvantage. In the playoffs, a series would be much closer.

The Oilers are now essentially locked into playing a rematch with the Los Angeles Kings in round one of the playoffs. The NHL will begin the playoffs on April 20th, but with the Oilers tough schedule in the last week and playing their final game on the 18th, it's possible the Oilers start on the 21st.