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Oilers coach and Leon Draisaitl call out referees for long standing problem


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Liam McCormick
April 29, 2025  (9:59 PM)
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Leon Draisaitl with the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images

Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl has been in a years-long argument with referees about his faceoffs, and after Game 4 of the playoffs, Coach Knoblauch even had to comment on it.

Leon Draisaitl has been Mic'd up to record numerous arguments with referees around faceoffs, where he always seems to get thrown out more than normal.

Coach Knoblauch addresses Draisaitl problem with referees on faceoffs

Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch was asked about why Edmonton seems to get kicked out of the faceoffs so much, and he was barely able to provide an answer - but did note that Edmonton is on the wrong side of most calls.
You know, I watch faceoffs in slow motion and I can't tell exactly who is the person who had the infraction, because those sticks are coming so fast. We probably lead the NHL in centreman getting kicked out of faceoffs. And tonight was probably a season high.

- Coach Knoblauch
With Draisaitl getting kicked out of faceoffs so consistently for many seasons now, it's ridiculous to assume that there's some sort of conspiracy against the Oilers.
Instead, it's most likely that Draisaitl really is just cheating as much as he can to win every possession. Even if he's waved out, Connor McDavid gets a chance at the draw.
Although Draisaitl may be cheating on the draws, it hasn't stopped him from complaining about the calls. Last night, the broadcast cameras caught him telling the refs they ruined the game.
Leon Draisaitl is a highly competitive player at the top of his game, looking for any edge possible. If he's getting kicked out of faceoffs, it's because he's trying his hardest for every win.
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AVRIL 29   |   972 ANSWERS
Oilers coach and Leon Draisaitl call out referees for long standing problem

Do you think Leon Draisaitl is cheating on faceoffs?

Yes, and it's good34035 %
Yes, and it's bad394 %
No he's perfect all the time59361 %
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