Leon Draisaitl answers pressure of Canadian market after wild Matthew Tkachuk comments
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers are now the last Canadian team standing in the NHL playoffs, and some are arguing that the pressure of Canadian markets is a reason that holds teams back.
After eliminating the Maple Leafs, Matthew Tkachuk has sparked debate by claiming the noise of Canadian markets have a direct negative impact on the players - to the point he pities players on Canadian teams.
They just have so much to deal with, I feel bad for them. We don't have to deal with that in Florida, that's what makes me and my team so lucky. You almost use that against them, the pressure they have to deal with day in and day out. I wasn't surprised at how [the Leafs] played.
- Matthew Tkachuk
- Matthew Tkachuk
Leon Draisaitl has legendary response when asked about Tkachuk's criticism of Canadian pressure
While Tkachuk is speaking about the Leafs directly, the same pressure and microscope exists in every other Canadian team. The angst may be more intense in Toronto with no Cups in 58 years, but fans across Canada are just as dialled into their teams.
Tkachuk believes that fans caring about a team makes it more difficult to perform, but when asked about the topic today, Leon Draisaitl made it clear he doesn't think that way at all.
Yeah, of course the pressure is higher here. The media, fans, expectations, it's just the way it is. It's a hockey country - it starts with hockey and ends with hockey in this country.
I don't know if teams feel like they get under pressure with that, I'm not the right person to answer that, but we can handle it. We're excited to get back to playing.
- Leon Draisaitl
I don't know if teams feel like they get under pressure with that, I'm not the right person to answer that, but we can handle it. We're excited to get back to playing.
- Leon Draisaitl
While other players complain that the attention is too much, or wilt under the bright lights entirely, it's amazing to see Draisaitl and the Oilers face the expectations of greatness head-on.
The Oilers stars will do anything to meet the moment and produce when needed, and it's been infectious on the rest of the team.
Bringing a Cup back to Canada could silence the narrative that passionate fans are a negative to a team's success. Hopefully the Oilers are able to deliver this season for themselves, and the rabid fans of Oil Country.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 822 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl answers pressure of Canadian market after wild Matthew Tkachuk comments Do you think Tkachuk is right that Canadian fan pressure is a disadvantage to players? | ||
| Yes | 266 | 32.4 % |
| No | 556 | 67.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
