Leon Draisaitl names surprising playoff series as hardest challenge for Oilers
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers have played a ton of playoff hockey over the last two years, but superstar Leon Draisaitl surprisingly named their series against the Vancouver Canucks as the biggest challenge along the way.
The Oilers bested the Canucks in a tightly fought 7 game series, and was an extremely emotional series between two rivals - which is why Draisaitl said it was so hard.
Leon Draisaitl names Vancouver Canucks series as biggest challenge in last two playoffs
Speaking to media yesterday, Draisaitl actually said that the Canucks series was so emotional and rivalry-driven, that it felt like it took years off their lives.
Last year, the Vancouver series was really emotional for everyone. You know, two Canadian teams, the media. If you ask everyone, they'll say that series felt like it took years off our lives. But, I think we're just a little bit more mature, know how to be in those situations, and stay even-keeled.
- Leon Draisaitl
- Leon Draisaitl
In the last two years, only the Canucks and Panthers were even able to take the Oilers to a 7 game series. The Oilers clearly had a better roster, but the emotions of the rivalry really did wear on the players. Taking a more business-minded approach helps the team be far more consistent in their game.
The emotions of that series were undoubtedly high, and it did create a great 7 games, but the Oilers would rather McDavid not get cross checked in the head.
Nowadays, the Oilers are much more even-keel and less emotional. As Draisaitl said, they've learned to manage the ups and downs of a long playoff run.
Draisaitl's comment could even be a subtle shot at the Florida Panthers. The Oilers were able to win 3 straight games against them, and Draisaitl should feel pretty excited about the matchup with their added experience.
The Stanley Cup Final will begin this Wednesday, on home ice in Edmonton. The Oilers will finally have another shot at the first Cup in the McDavid era.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 2 | 465 ANSWERS Leon Draisaitl names surprising playoff series as hardest challenge for Oilers Do you think the Canucks series was the hardest for the oilers? | ||
| Yes | 171 | 36.8 % |
| No, Florida was | 294 | 63.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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