The Edmonton Oilers almost pulled off a stunning comeback from a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers last year before eventually falling in Game 7. Entering the third period in Game 1 of this year's rematch, it looked like they might be forced to overcome another Panthers' advantage. But Mattias Ekholm's first playoff goal leveled things up at 3-3 and forced overtime—where Leon Draisaitl found the game-winner and treated the hometown fans to a 1-0 series lead.
Asked what the difference is between this year's opener and what transpired against Florida last season, the prolific scorer pointed to an area of growth.
"I think just a little bit more mature," Draisaitl said. "Obviously, every game writes its own story but I thought we hung in there, we're mature and obviously we just needed one look and capitalized on that."
Leon Draisaitl with a HUGE Game 1 performance, netting the first and LAST goals of the game...
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) June 5, 2025
Now he chats with @Panger40 after the OT GWG pic.twitter.com/AmzzayIe5T
His comments came seconds before an Oilers supporter videobombed him from behind the glass with a Pink Pony Leon—a nod to the Chappel Roan anthem adopted by the club to celebrate victories. Who says you can't have fun and be mature at the same time?
Incidentally, the song choice inspired a great moment of television on TNT as Paul Bissonnette attempted to explain to Wayne Gretzky about all the rises and falls of the popular Midwest princess.
Biz is explaining Chappell Roan to Wayne Gretzky 😭 pic.twitter.com/ZFZ6I8YxyD
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 5, 2025
Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is back in Edmonton on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET. The Oilers are up but the Panthers' jaws aren't exactly on the floor as they've proven the ability to come-from-behind this postseason.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Leon Draisaitl Points to Difference In This Year's Oilers Team After Overtime Winner.
