
Draisaitl's Game-Winner Against Ducks: A Victory With Mixed Emotions
Leon Draisaitl’s latest performance on the ice was one of mixed emotions. While the Edmonton Oilers secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on January 3, 2025, Draisaitl himself was less than pleased with his overall play during the game. Despite being the hero with a game-winning goal, the 29-year-old forward wasn’t completely satisfied with his performance.
The winning goal came with just 1:35 remaining in the third period, after the game had been tied at 2-2. Zach Hyman sent a pass in front of the Ducks’ net, and Draisaitl, ever the opportunist, deftly used his knee to control the puck before kicking it down to his stick and firing it past Anaheim’s goalie Lukas Dostal to seal the victory for the Oilers. The goal was not only crucial in giving the Oilers their second straight win, but it also marked Draisaitl’s 28th of the season and his ninth game-winning goal of 2025.
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Yet, despite his critical role in the outcome, Draisaitl wasn’t fully content. In his post-game remarks, he openly criticized his own play. “I think the rest of the lines played pretty solid. It was mostly me that had a lot of turnovers and didn’t really drive the puck deep enough to sustain anything,” he explained. He acknowledged that tough games happen but expressed a desire to limit these rough patches.
The goal, however, added another feather to Draisaitl’s already impressive cap. It was his 70th career game-winning goal, a milestone few players achieve. It also helped extend his point streak to 13 games, tying the longest streak of the season. Over the streak, Draisaitl has netted 11 goals and accumulated 25 points, which earned him the honor of being named the NHL's second star for December.
While Draisaitl’s modesty about his performance stood out, it also highlighted his mental approach to the game. His coach, Kris Knoblauch, praised the star for his accountability. “Leon’s very aware of his game, he takes responsibility and doesn’t deflect blame,” Knoblauch said. “That’s part of the reason he’s become such a great player.” Draisaitl’s ability to accept responsibility when things don’t go well yet still step up when needed most was clearly evident in his timely goal.
In addition to his personal achievements, Draisaitl's success also moved him up in the Oilers’ all-time scoring list. With 907 career points, he surpassed Glenn Anderson to claim the fifth spot in franchise history. Despite teammate Connor McDavid’s points streak ending at 12 games in the same match, Draisaitl’s ability to continue producing under pressure is a testament to his elite status in the NHL.
While the victory was sweet, Draisaitl’s introspective nature shows his constant desire to evolve and improve. Even on a night when his team triumphed, the focus was on how he could elevate his game for the challenges ahead.
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