ice Hockey
Leon Draisaitl scores twice in Edmonton’s runaway win
Vincent Desharnais (r) and the Edmonton Oilers lead 2-1 in the first round of the playoffs. photo
© Mark J. Terrill/AP/dpa
The Edmonton Oilers clearly dominate their first away game in the “best of seven” playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings. Leon Draisaitl is in top form – and is setting a record.
The Edmonton Oilers have regained home advantage in the playoffs of the North American professional league NHL – thanks in part to the ice hockey star Leon Draisaitl.
The Oilers won their first away game of the best of seven series against the Los Angeles Kings 6-1 (3-0, 1-1, 2-0), after the team from Canada lost their second home game. Draisaitl was the man of the game with two goals and an assist. After victories, the Oilers are now 2-1 in the series.
The top German player scored in the middle of the first third to take the lead 2-0 and in the final period he secured the final score from a power play. After just 26 games in his career, Draisaitl has reached the mark of 20 away goals in the playoffs – no player in NHL history has achieved this faster. The 28-year-old attacker also prepared Connor McDavid’s 3-0 goal.
Canucks and Avalanche also in the lead
“We defended really well, all four formations. After conceding a goal, we found our game again. That was a stable performance,” said Draisaitl after the Oilers conceded five goals in the second game.
In addition to the Oilers, the Vancouver Canucks and the Colorado Avalanche also took a 2-1 lead after wins in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The Canucks won 2-1 at the Nashville Predators, the Avalanche beat the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 at home, scoring five goals in 14 minutes in the final period.
After a 3-1 away win against the Washington Capitals, the New York Rangers only need one win to move into the second round.