The Edmonton Oilers wasted no time in Minnesota, scoring just five seconds into their first power play of the game. Connor McDavid made a great cross-slot pass to Leon Draisaitl, who took a perfect one-timer shot past Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson.
The goal was later credited to Zach Hyman, who had been near the post and deflected the puck into the net after Draisaitl’s shot.
“I turn and he shoots it and you feel it, but you’re kind of like, ‘Ehhh,’” Hyman said. “But Leon was the first to say, ‘It was yours.’ It didn’t matter.”
Draisaitl scored a goal of his own in the second period. The Oilers scored a season-high seven goals in their fourth straight win on Thursday, with Draisaitl contributing three assists.
“Good karma for him, obviously. I think he’s been playing unbelievably, both ends of the ice,” Hyman said. “I think he’s not getting enough credit for what he’s doing on the other end. Obviously he’s scoring lots of goals and making plays, but defensively he’s been unbelievable.”
Draisaitl now has 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points in 29 games, putting him on track for 118 points, just 10 short of his career high from the 2022-23 season. Draisaitl, who has four goals and six assists in his last four games, did not speak with reporters after the game.
The German-born player, who was drafted third overall in 2014, helped the Oilers come within one win of a Stanley Cup title last season. With him and McDavid, the three-time NHL MVP, leading the team, and other key players like Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins supporting the top lines, Edmonton looks ready for another strong playoff push.
The Oilers are focused on making the most of their star players, especially after signing Draisaitl to an eight-year, $112 million contract extension, the highest salary cap hit in league history.
Their tough start to the season, which saw them lose three games by a combined score of 15-3, is now behind them. The team has won eight of their last 10 games, including a dominant victory over the Wild, who came into the game with the best record in the NHL.
“Leon was really good. I think all of our players really stood out tonight. I can’t say that anybody had an off game. Everyone was really good, but Leon really was at another level,” said coach Kris Knoblauch.
