Leon Draisaitl Doubles Down on Oilers’ Accountability Concerns

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl reaffirmed his call for greater accountability within the team, including from the coaching staff, following a recent stretch of underwhelming performances. Draisaitl addressed the media after rejoining the team for practice in Anaheim ahead of their Wednesday matchup against the Ducks.

Draisaitl Stands by Critical Assessment

Prior to the NHL All-Star break, Draisaitl sparked discussion with his candid assessment of the Oilers’ struggles, stating that improvements were needed “from top to bottom,” encompassing the coaching staff and the entire roster. He clarified that he wasn’t attempting to place blame, but rather emphasizing the need for collective responsibility.

“We just have to be better. I stick to what I said,” Draisaitl stated on Tuesday. “It’s not just players have to be better, we all have to look in the mirror. It starts at the top. It goes all the way down. That’s just the way it is. And that’s not a knock at everyone.”

He further emphasized his willingness to take responsibility, adding, “I wasn’t trying to throw anyone under the bus by any means. If anything, I throw myself first under the bus. But it’s just a fact. We have to be better, and we got to change some things. We’re in a race right now, with 20-some games left. We can’t be cruising around like maybe in years past, a little bit. We got to receive going and, yeah, I stand by what I say, and I suppose everyone would probably agree that.”

Oilers’ Recent Struggles and Playoff Push

The Oilers entered the Olympic break with a 28-22-8 record, placing them second in the Pacific Division but eighth in the Western Conference in points percentage. They trail the Vegas Golden Knights by four points in the division standings. A recent homestand saw the team move 4-5, and they suffered losses to the Minnesota Wild (7-3), Toronto Maple Leafs (5-2), and Calgary Flames (4-3) before the break.

Coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the importance of the remaining games, stating, “We’ve only got 24 games left, and we are right on the line of making or not making playoffs. Especially this road trip, there’s not a stretch of games that are probably more vital than they are right now.”

Addition of Paul Coffey to Coaching Staff

The Oilers recently added Paul Coffey as an assistant coach, hoping to bolster their defensive strategies. Despite the addition, the team continues to address its consistency issues as they navigate a critical stretch of the season.

Upcoming Schedule

The Oilers face a challenging three-game road trip in four days, beginning with the Anaheim Ducks. They will then play the Ottawa Senators on March 3.