When everyone thought the Edmonton Oilers were at their lowest, things have just gone from bad to worse.
They entered the season as Stanley Cup favorites, with two of the best players in the world healthy, but the Oilers have been unrecognizable. Last year, they were the best powerplay team in history; they scored tons of goals and looked ready to make a real push for the Stanley Cup.
But this start of the season has been worse than anyone could’ve imagined, but everyone at least thought they would get things going against the San Jose Sharks, who’d only won one game before Thursday’s contest.
The Oilers outshot their opponent on Thursday, but it didn’t matter that they had 49(!) more shot attempts than San Jose. The Sharks won, and the Oilers are now tied for last in the NHL with 12 games played.
Connor McDavid scored 64 goals last season but has zero in his last seven games. The Oilers have lost four straight, and their five points through 12 games is tied with the 1993-94 team for fewest in franchise history.
Postgame, the Oilers players were, understandingly, upset and disappointed. But few players in the locker room looked as beaten as Leon Draisaitl.
The superstar held his hands to his face before taking questions from reporters and looked to be on the verge of breaking down.
“I don’t really know what to say,” forward Leon Draisaitl said. “We tend to outshoot other teams consistently, probably out-chance other teams consistently. We’re not in sync right now.
”Not too many guys in this room that have confidence right now…I’m part of that group,” he added.
Draisaitl wasn’t in his best mood and also snapped back at a reporter. Someone held a microphone to his face, saying, “It just feels like no one’s going right now.”
Draisaitl was lost for words but eventually, ironically, responded:
“Great … great observation.”
