Major difference for Leon Draisaitl could be sole reason to sway Stanley Cup Final

In last year's Cup Final, Leon Draisaitl didn't score a goal and only recorded 3 points. Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe and played amazingly, but both superstars were playing through significant injury last year.

In 2024's Stanley Cup Final, Leon Draisaitl was expected to be playing through a very restrictive wrist injury. It was reflected in his play, as Draisaitl only recorded 3 shots per game and no goals in the Cup Final. In Game 1 last night, Draisaitl fired 9 shots.

A fully healthy Leon Draisaitl alone could be the difference between the 2024 and 2025 result. Instead of struggling to shoot through an injury, Draisaitl is still firing home overtime winners with authority.

Not only is Draisaitl appearing to be fully healthy, but so is Connor McDavid. The two shorter series against Vegas and Dallas have given the Oilers ample time to rest up and get their superstars in peak shape.

And even better, it's not just Leon Draisaitl that's making the difference this year. The Oilers depth has been remarkable through the playoffs, and continued that trend in Game 1.

The 2024 Stanley Cup Final came down to a Game 7 decided by one goal, where Leon Draisaitl scored 0 times in the series. Draisaitl himself has already shattered last year's total, and the rest of the team is playing better than ever before. After Game 1, the Oilers are looking in great shape to realize their ultimate goal.