Sometimes you think a player needs a minute to catch up or maybe come back. Then they just show up and do everything, right? That’s Leon Draisaitl in a nutshell, and Kris Knoblauch can’t help but shake his head.
Draisaitl has missed some games for personal reasons, but he is back
Draisaitl missed a few games for personal reasons, but he was back Thursday against Pittsburgh. Jet-lagged, tired, fresh off a long flight – and still on the ice for 20 minutes, four shots, reminding everyone why he’s a goalie’s nightmare.
Knoblauch didn’t think Leon would be in the mood at all, but he wasn’t surprised when Draisaitl still impressed. “I’ve been surprised before when he wasn’t at his best,” he said. That’s Leon for you: he always finds a way.
Draisaitl didn’t score on Thursday, but watch out tonight
Draisaitl didn’t score on Thursday, but he was everywhere you wanted him to be. He was skating, finding openings, setting up McDavid and keeping the other team on their toes. Knoblauch emphasized: The fact that Leon is back in the lineup, even if he’s not fully dialed in yet, really makes a difference. It stabilizes, energizes and reminds the league that the Oilers still have a serious weapon.
Plus, the way Draisaitl handles the messy stuff is impressive. Flying all day, coming off personal leave, jumping straight into the gaming action and still being ready to compete? You don’t see that every day, and Knoblauch knows that.
Knoblauch commented: “Whether he is 100% fit tonight, I don’t know,” he said. “But I’ve seen him surprise me before, and I expect nothing less.”
Draisaitl doesn’t need ideal conditions to play well
Fans know it too. Draisaitl doesn’t need ideal conditions to make a difference. He’s the guy who can turn a tough week into solid contributions, even when you’d expect him to be out of sorts. And for the Oilers, that kind of on-ice presence — especially tonight against Washington — is exactly what you want.
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