On March 14, 2025, Leon Draisaitl showcased his exceptional skills by scoring both goals for the Edmonton Oilers, leading his team to a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. This match marked another significant milestone for Draisaitl as he reached 100 points this season, extending his remarkable scoring streak to 17 games.
Despite facing adversity throughout the game, Draisaitl's performance was nothing short of stellar. His overtime goal came as the result of a brilliant play facilitated by goaltender Calvin Pickard, who not only made 25 saves during regulation but also recorded an assist on the winning goal. Pickard's key pass to Connor McDavid allowed the superstar to set Draisaitl up for the decisive breakaway goal, sealing the win for Edmonton.
"It's a nice individual milestone, but the two points are much bigger than any other personal record," Draisaitl remarked after the game. By achieving this milestone for the sixth time and for the fourth consecutive season, he proved once again why he is regarded as one of the league's premier players.
The Oilers began the match on shaky ground, being outshot 17-6 by the Islanders during the first period. Ilya Sorokin’s superb goaltending played a significant role, as he made 17 saves to keep the game scoreless heading to the second period. Draisaitl, displaying resilience amid the Islanders' strong defense, managed to net his first goal of the evening, giving Edmonton the lead at 1-0.
The Islanders, showing tenacity, managed to tie the game early in the third period when Bo Horvat capitalized on his chance at 1:21. This goal set the stage for a tightly contested final period where both teams pressed for the win but were unable to score, forcing the game to overtime.
Throughout the match, Draisaitl's contributions were undeniable. He led the Oilers with 11 major contributions to Grade A shots and was constantly on the move, creating chances and supporting his teammates. Connor Brown played a pivotal role as well, providing the key pass for Draisaitl’s first goal, showcasing the importance of teamwork and collaboration on the ice.
Calvin Pickard’s presence as the backstop gave the Oilers confidence, and his ability to play the puck led directly to the game-winning play. "He gives us a chance every time he's in the net," said Draisaitl, recognizing Pickard's contributions and underscoring the team’s spirit. "We love playing for him, I think that's very obvious, and he's our heart and soul guy.”
After two consecutive losses, this victory was fundamental for the Oilers as it not only improved their record to 38-24-4 but also strengthened their position within the competitive Pacific Division. The team will continue its four-game road trip with their next matchup against the New York Rangers on March 16, eager to build upon this momentum.
Looking forward, the Oilers will need to maintain this level of performance to stay relevant in the playoff race. Draisaitl's consistency, combined with Pickard's goaltending and the teamwork displayed during this game, could very well indicate the direction this season is heading for Edmonton.