After a rough start against the LA Kings, the Edmonton Oilers proved why you can’t count them out. Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Co. pulled themselves out of a hole against the Kings and continued their habit of comeback from behind against the Vegas Golden Knights. And as impressive as their six consecutive comeback wins looked, it also raised questions about the defensive lapses that required those comebacks in the first place.

Then again, the Oilers shut down that argument in the last two games, with Stuart Skinner posting back-to-back shutouts. Or so they thought. While the Oilers certainly showed they had the defensive chops against the Pacific Division toppers, the questions didn’t stop. “How confident are you just in your team’s defensive group…?” a reporter asked Draisaitl ahead of their conference finals against the Dallas Stars.

Leon Draisaitl didn’t seem to have much patience about the question he thought the team had put behind them. “Yeah, very confident,” said the 2025 ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy winner. The 29-year-old then paused before finally speaking his mind. “I mean, I don’t know how many times we need to answer these questions,” said the Oiler star. The frustration was palpable in his uneasy smile.

“We’ve been a really good defensive team for years now,” added Draisaitl. He explained that the league is “too hard” for the defense and goaltender to post shutouts in every game. “So these games are going to happen. But we’re a good, structured defensive team that can defend really well,” concluded the NHL star. His reaction isn’t unwarranted.

After all, Draisaitl has himself switched roles from prolific goalscorer to a defensive force for multiple Oilers playoff games. What’s more? Reporters had already asked Captain Connor McDavid the same question and got a similar response. In fact, McDavid didn’t even hide his frustration with a smile. “I mean, how many times are we gonna answer this question, really, like honestly?” asked McDavid.

“It’s frustrating that we keep talking about this. We can defend,” added the 4 Nations Face Off winner, visibly frustrated at the question after winning Game 5. With that being said, McDavid’s German teammate is ready to make any adjustments for the team.

Leon Draisaitl is willing to do whatever it takes to win

The NHL star with 52 goals in 71 games explained ahead of Game 5 against Vegas that he would do whatever the occasion demands. While you’ll often find Draisaitl looking for the perfect opportunity to score, he didn’t care for it when it came to sealing victory against the Knights. “I like to think that I can play any role that you give me,” said Draisaitl.

“I know I’m very capable of scoring goals, and on the other side, also defending very well and shutting someone down. Whatever it is I’m needed to do this time of year, I’ll be doing,” the Hart Memorial Trophy finalist said ahead of Game 5. During the 3-0 shutout in Game 4, he had not given Knights center Jack Eichel any breathing space whatsoever, and in the following game, he put in a crucial assist that helped Kasperi Kapanen score the winning goal in overtime.

Stuart Skinner is another Oiler who has also shut down the goaltending doubts, at least in the last two games. Even the fans questioned Skinner’s abilities as recently as Game 3 against the Golden Knights, but the goaltender has transformed his performance in the last two games. While fans believed the Oilers would drown, Skinner has shown improved puck awareness and positioning, saving 47 shots in two games.

Yet, with that being said, the Edmonton Oilers will have their hands full with Dallas. Leon Draisaitl and the other will have to be on top of their game to handle Dallas’ New Finnish Mafia. Let’s not forget that Mikko Rantanen has already scored two hat tricks in the playoffs, while Mikael Granlund joined him with one against the Jets. So, not just the Oilers’ defense, but the entire squad needs to give it their all in the Conference Final.