Oilers likely to give Draisaitl tough assignment vs Dallas Stars in playoffs
Photo credit: USA Today
The Edmonton Oilers are preparing themselves for the Western Conference final and it appears that Leon Draisaitl will be called upon in a shutdown role once again.
The Oilers superstar was brilliant in Round two against Vegas Golden Knights in neutralizing Golden Knights center Jack Eichel which helped the Oilers win the series.
Draisaitl showed his shut down abilities as series wore on
At 5-on-5, Eichel had most commonly matched up against Draisaitl, particularly in Games 4 and 5 where head coach Kris Knoblauch separated McDavid and Draisaitl. Eichel played over half of his TOI against Draisaitl, and in those minutes, Eichel was out-scored 5 to 2 and out-chanced (in terms of high-danger chances) 15 to 8.
Draisaitl's most impressive performance in this regard was Game 4 at Edmonton, where the Oilers had last change. Knoblauch hard-matched Draisaitl's line with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen against Eichel, and it was a huge success. Eichel's line failed to score, combining for a mere one shot on net.
- NHL_Sid
Draisaitl's most impressive performance in this regard was Game 4 at Edmonton, where the Oilers had last change. Knoblauch hard-matched Draisaitl's line with Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen against Eichel, and it was a huge success. Eichel's line failed to score, combining for a mere one shot on net.
- NHL_Sid
Draisaitl's Overall game has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years as he has become a dominant force for the Oilers and throughout the NHL.
Once known for his offensive abilities, his defensive abilities have become even better which has Put him as the frontrunner to win the Hart trophy.
Through 11 games, he has scored five goals with 11 this is for 16 points and as a + 8. He also has played 85 games in the playoffs scoring 46 goals with 78 assists for 124 points and as a + 18.
Stars will present challenges for Knoblauch and Drasaitl
The Western Conference final will be challenging for Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch and Draisaitl.
The Oilers will have several stars to watch and try to neutralize including superstar Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnson to name a few.
It's clear that it will take a team effort defensively to contain the Stars which goes both ways as they will also need to watch two of the best players on the planet which will cause them grief in the offensive zone.
This match up will be a fantastic fan experience as both teams are stacked with talent and will likely go seven games.
Game one will be in Dallas on Wednesday May 21st and game time will be at 9:30 PM eastern.
Source: Oilersnation
Why there's real potential with the Oilers using Leon Draisaitl in a shutdown role
Why there's real potential with the Oilers using Leon Draisaitl in a shutdown role
| POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 755 ANSWERS Oilers likely to give Draisaitl tough assignment vs Dallas Stars in playoffs Which Dallas Stars player would you have Leon Drasiaitl shut down in the Western Conference Finals? | ||
| Milkko Rantanen | 648 | 85.8 % |
| Roope Hintz | 67 | 8.9 % |
| Wyatt Johnson | 40 | 5.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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