"Player" Draisaitl vows for the "most challenging match"
Edmonton Oilers are on a roll, bagging their third straight win in the Stanley Cup Final against the Canadians, leaving the score at 3-3. Leon Draisaitl and crew play the decisive game for the prestigious trophy on Tuesday night (2 am on ProSieben MAXX and Sky). After overcoming a 0-3 deficit against the Florida Panthers in the best-of-seven series, the historic win is within their reach.
The most challenging step lies ahead, Draisaitl is aware of that. "This ain't gonna be a Sunday stroll," the German hockey star remarks about the upcoming game. After the Oilers' exceptional comeback in the seventh NHL finals, they now compete for the Stanley Cup – and a place in the history books.
With a score of 5-1, the Canadians ruthlessly ousted the Panthers from their own arena on Friday. Draisaitl, who missed scoring a goal but set up the crucial 1-0 by Warren Foegele (8th minute), received the "Artist of the Game" honor, as is customary with the Oilers, along with a team hat and a paintbrush in the locker room. "It felt damn good to be appreciated," says Draisaitl.
"This is the most challenging game of the series"
The Oilers are on the verge of creating history in multiple ways. For the first time, the Toronto Maple Leafs managed to turn a 0-3 deficit into a win against the Detroit Red Wings in 1941/42. Edmonton could also end a lengthy drought and become the first Canadian franchise to win the title since 1993. With the momentum shifting, there's hope in hockey's homeland. Nevertheless, Draisaitl remains cautious. "This is the most challenging game of the series. We're aware of that."
The stage is set for the final showdown in Sunrise, after the electrifying performance at Rogers Place, it's win or bust in the deep south. While Edmonton celebrates its sixth Stanley Cup victory (the last one was in 1990), the titleless Panthers face elimination. A lot hangs in the balance, and Edmonton has the slight edge.
Draisaitl, an Oilers member since the NHL draft in 2014, could become the sixth German in the professional league to win the championship. He would especially like to dedicate the win to the fans. "I've been here for so long, and they've been there every night," says the 28-year-old: "Let's hope we can seal the deal for them." He is "proud of the way we earned this opportunity. That's why it means a lot," he explains. From the Panthers, he expects nothing less than a fierce comeback. "They'll come out with all guns blazing." The entire team is now on their way back to Florida, and a journalist noted in Edmonton on Friday that the travel costs were escalating. "I don't mind that; it's for you," said Draisaitl – and laughed.
