The Edmonton Oilers around striker Leon Draisaitl can celebrate for the first time. © APA / DEREK CAIN

The Oilers breathe a sigh of relief

After two clear opening defeats, the Edmonton Oilers have finally made a claim in the NHL. Meanwhile, defending champion Vegas Golden Knights continue their successful run unhindered.

18 October 2023

From: dpa/fop

With his best performance of the season, German national player Leon Draisaitl led the Oilers to their first win in the NHL. The 6-year-old German scored four points in the 1-27 win against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday evening (local time). In addition to his goals to make it 1-0 and 5-1, he also prepared Zach Hyman's 2-0 and Connor McDavid's 4-0. After three games this season, Draisaitl now has seven scorer points. After the two defeats against the Vancouver Canucks with a goal difference of 4:12, the win against Nashville was the hoped-for liberation for the ambitious team from Edmonton.

Draisaitl also set an Oilers record with his two goals from power-numbered situations. His opening goal was the 127th goal of his career from a power play, overtaking Ryan Smyth and Glenn Anderson and later extending the record to 128 such goals. He needed 641 games to set the record, while Smyth and Anderson needed 971 and 845 games respectively.

In 24 games against Nashville so far, Draisaitl also has a strong record of 24 goals and 15 assists. “Sometimes it works better against certain teams than against others,” said Draisaitl. “I'm sure it'll stop at some point. I hope I can extend it for a few more games.”

Vegas undefeated, Seattle without points

In the top game last night (CEST), the still undefeated Stanley Cup champions Vegas Golden Knights won against Dallas 3-2.

Jamie Benn (Dallas, left) and Nicolas Hague (Vegas, right) fought a tough boxing match. © APA / ETHAN MILLER

Colorado clearly defeated Seattle, which still had no points, 5:1, Carolina defeated the San Jose Sharks 6:3. Minnesota didn't give up in Montreal (5:2), Philadelpfia (2:0 against Vancouver), Buffalo (3:2 against Tampa) and the Islanders (1:0 against the Coyotes) were successful at home.