San Jose, Calif. — Leon Draisaitl, the NHL`s leading goal scorer, exited the Edmonton Oilers` game against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night. He sustained an undisclosed injury in the second period and did not return.
Draisaitl appeared to be injured midway through the second period. He gingerly skated to the bench before heading to the dressing room. Coach Kris Knoblauch said post-game that he had no update on the injury`s severity.
Shortly after Draisaitl left, Jeff Skinner scored the tie-breaking goal. This secured a 3-2 victory for the Oilers, keeping them within two points of Los Angeles in the Pacific Division race for second place and home-ice advantage in the first playoff round.
“Obviously, we’ve had some injuries to key guys,” Skinner commented. “It’s a significant opportunity for other players to step up, and I believe guys have been doing a commendable job thus far. We must maintain this and continue working together to achieve our desired results.”
Tristan Blackwood