Connor McDavid led Edmonton with two assists. © APA / BRUCE BENNETT

Without Draisaitl: Oilers celebrate third win in a row

The Edmonton Oilers have maintained their chance of home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs in the North American ice hockey league NHL.

14 April 2025

From: dpa

Even without the currently injured German star Leon Draisaitl, the team won 4-1 against the Winnipeg Jets. His teammate Connor McDavid led Edmonton with two assists.

The Canadians are currently third in the Pacific Division, but with a win in their direct duel with the Los Angeles Kings they could still overtake the Californians.

Host Winnipeg finished the regular season as the best team despite their loss to the Oilers, as the Washington Capitals also lost 1-4 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Alexander Ovechkin scored the Capitals' lone goal, extending his career goal-scoring record to 896. The Russian surpassed the record held by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky (894) last week.

Meanwhile, national player JJ Peterka picked up his 4th assist of the season in his Buffalo Sabres' insignificant 7-40 loss to the Pampa Bay Lightning. The World Championship runner-up has a total of 66 points.