One of the top goal scorers in hockey does not believe his team was beaten solely by the opposing team’s netminder on Sunday night.
Following the Edmonton Oilers’ 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks in Game 3 of the Pacific Division Final, Oilers forward Leon Drasaitl didn’t seem all that impressed with the play of Vancouver Canucks rookie goaltender Arturs Silovs.
The Oilers outshot the Canucks, 45-18 in the loss on Sunday night, firing 22 shots on goal in the final 20 minutes. Edmonton had over 60 shot attempts, including a few that found iron. The 2020 Hart Trophy winner was asked by the media whether or not the Oilers fell to a 2-1 series deficit because of Silovs’ 42-save performance.
“Post is not good goaltending,” Draisaitl said. “We can certainly do a better job of bearing down…and capitalize on our looks.”
The German star, who scored has scored eight points in the series, was also asked if the Oilers were going to study Silovs’ game, in order to find more success.
“I don’t think so,” Draisaitl chuckled. “We have enough guys in here that can put the puck past him, shown it so far. [Silovs’] obviously playing well, making some big stops for them. We just got to be a little cleaner and look to bear down a little more.”
In the other locker room, Silovs was asked to break down a big breakaway save he made on Draisaitl. However, TSN’s Farhan Lalji only asked, “You made a key save off Draisaitl late in the period, can you take us through that one?”
Silovs, trying not to be cocky, responded with, “Which one? I actually don’t remember.”
Silovs has allowed 11 goals in the first three games of the series, making 94 saves thus far. In six appearances this postseason, he has a 4-2 record with a 2.65 goals-against average and .908 save percentage.
Draisaitl has seven goals and 11 assists in eight playoff games, leading all skaters with 18 points.
Game 4 is set for Tuesday night in Edmonton.
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