Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers are back on track. © APA / DEREK CAIN

Coach effect takes effect: Oilers win again

Prepared three goals, scored one himself: Germany's national ice hockey player Leon Draisaitl ensured a successful debut for coach Kris Knoblauch in the 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers with his best performance in weeks.

14 November 2023

From: dpa

Against the New York Islanders, the previously disappointing Oilers were behind on Monday evening (local time) after just 40 seconds before Draisaitl equalized with his sixth goal of the season before the end of the first period. In the final period of the game, which had been open for a long time, he set up the further goals from Zach Hyman, Connor McDavid and Evander Kane, which made the first home win of the season perfect.

The Oilers had parted ways with coach Jay Woodcroft the day before after just four wins from 14 games. Before the season, the team was considered a candidate to win the Stanley Cup, and Draisaitl himself and his teammates thought they were ready for it. Before the game, the Cologne native said, referring to the coach's dismissal: "It's up to us to be better."