Leon Draisaitl admitted the Edmonton Oilers never established a clear identity during last season’s disappointing NHL campaign. Edmonton finished second in the Pacific Division before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in six games.
The Oilers had reached consecutive Stanley Cup Finals before their early playoff exit. Draisaitl believes their biggest issue existed throughout the regular season, rather than appearing only in the postseason.
“I do think that we never were able to really grab and find our game throughout 82 games,” Draisaitl said during the European Player Media Tour. “You see it every year, the teams that are good, there’s a pattern that they create and build over 82 games. They know what their game is.”
He added, I think we kind of missed
He added, “I think we kind of missed that. We never really found what we were as a group.”
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His frustration centered on consistency rather than effort. Edmonton had enough talent to contend, but its performance lacked the reliable structure seen from championship-level teams.
“It’s frustrating, for sure, because you’re trying,” Draisaitl said. “Everyone’s trying. Everyone wants to do the right things.”
That disconnect became costly when the Ducks exposed
That disconnect became costly when the Ducks exposed Edmonton’s weaknesses in the opening playoff round. Injuries also limited Draisaitl and Connor McDavid during the series.
Oilers need a defined identity under Mike Babcock
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) speaks to center Leon Draisaitl (29) at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES
Draisaitl believes Edmonton can correct those issues under new head coach Mike Babcock. The veteran coach brings a reputation for demanding structure and accountability from his players.
We’re looking to be coached
“We’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better,” Draisaitl said. “Connor and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does.”
The Oilers need more than improved individual performances. Their stars already produce at an elite level, but their five-on-five structure must become more dependable.
Edmonton’s 41-30-11 record showed enough quality to reach the postseason. However, their defensive inconsistency and inability to establish a repeatable style made them vulnerable when playoff intensity increased.
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Draisaitl also refused to dismiss Anaheim’s performance
Draisaitl also refused to dismiss Anaheim’s performance. “I’d like to believe that if we’re fully healthy with our top three centers, that we can beat the Anaheim Ducks,” he said.
“But at the end of the day, they were better than us, and they deserve to move on,” Draisaitl added.
That admission sets the standard for Edmonton’s response. Babcock must help the Oilers create a system they can trust before another playoff run begins.
If Edmonton finds that identity early, McDavid and Draisaitl have enough talent to make another championship push. The challenge is making their collective game consistent.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
