Oilers’ Draisaitl says he is a game-time decision for Game 2 vs Canucks

Draisaitl left Game 1 in the second period due to cramping and equipment issues, according to Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch, but returned for the third period. 

Knoblauch characterized him as day-to-day on Thursday, and Draisaitl will participate in warm-up and be a game-time decision ahead of Game 2 tonight. 

“Yeah, feeling a little better today,” Draisaitl said. “We’ll see how I feel tonight and I’ll leave it at that…

“It’s an important time of year and we all want to be out there and be playing.”

Draisaitl has been a force for Edmonton in these playoffs. Through six playoff games against the Los Angeles Kings and Canucks, the 28-year-old has racked up 12 points (five goals, seven assists) while playing nearly 20 minutes per night. He ranks second in the NHL to only teammate Connor McDavid (13 points).

He has 89 points (36 goals, 53 assists) in 55 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.  

Along with Draisaitl, Adam Henrique will also be a game-time decision for the Oilers after missing Game 1 with a lower-body injury. 

“It’s the next-man-up mentality,” Oilers forward Zach Hyman said. “We have great depth, we have guys that can come into the lineup and do a job. If guys are not able to play, then we have other guys who are ready.”

Edmonton trails Vancouver 1-0 in this second-round series after blowing a three-goal lead late in Game 1. The Oilers are 4-2 through six playoff games and defeated the Kings in five games in the first round.