Leon Draisaitl Responds to Criticism About His Lower Point Production

Oilers' Leon Draisaitl has been made aware that his point totals are lower in these playoffs, and he responded to that criticism by saying he's focusing on defence.

Leon Draisaitl silenced his critics in the best possible manner by excelling at both ends of the rink when it mattered most.

After being questioned regarding why he isn't producing as much in these playoffs, given that he is an elite goal-scorer, Draisaitl had something to say in the Edmonton Oilers' series-clinching 1-0 overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 last night.

'I like to think that I can play any role that you give me,' Draisaitl said. 'Obviously a challenge like that excites me. I feel like whenever I've been given a challenge like that, I've always responded well.

'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.'

With the victory, Edmonton now moves on to the Western Conference Final. Virtually everyone knows what Draisaitl can do on offense, as he scored 106 points and led the NHL in goals with 52 in the regular season.

But he showed he's just as committed on defense. He was part of the shutdown on Vegas superstar Jack Eichel, stripping him of time and space, as he did in Games 4 and 5, the two shutout wins.

Draisaitl still had seven points in five games in Round 2, still very good numbers

Eichel had only one point in the final three games of the series. Draisaitl completed the series with seven points (three goals, four assists), but his greatest contributions came with his physical backchecking and stickwork.