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Leon Draisaitl’s best goals throughout his career
Bob Frid-Imagn Images

While the Edmonton Oilers unfortunately dropped their home opener the rival Calgary Flames , the third goal they scored was a pretty significant one—it was Leon Draisaitl’s 400th goal, as well as the first NHL point for David Tomasek.

One of those is slightly more important than the other, but we also can’t really make a top 10 list for someone with one NHL game and point, so instead we will revisit some of the best of those 400-regular season goals Draisaitl has potted to date in his 12-year career.

From behind the goal line

Like most goal scorers, Draisaitl has his signature spot/shot, being down low on the right wing with a sharp angle one-timer.

This goal, though, Draisaitl decided to take it to a whole other level. I mean, sure, anyone can score from in front of the goal line. But what about when you are standing BEHIND the goal line? And just to make it even more difficult, let’s take that shot from the corner. Even if the net was empty, I am not sure there are many players that would have scored from there. The lesson here? Do not play hockey HORSE against Draisaitl.

A coast-to-coast goal

In case you weren’t around for the Canadian Division during the 2020–21 COVID-19 season, one thing you should know is that Draisaitl really, really liked playing against the Ottawa Senators. He had 10 goals and 21 points in the nine games against them. That is 59% of his career goals and 55% of his career points against the Senators in just 24% of his games against them.

This time Draisaitl decided to go a more conventional route and simply go end-to-end and dangle the defender out of his jock strap before scoring. They all count the same on the scoreboard, I guess.

Putting the net back so he can but the puck in the back

This one starts out with a play that, if Draisaitl had finished, would be on the list without question. Unfortunately, he was knocked down and in the process bumped the net slightly off the peg. It seems Draisaitl was the only one who noticed though, as he quietly puts it back on its mooring while the play continues before he scores. That IQ move would also potentially be enough to be on this list.

But then the goal itself makes this on the list as well. You have the goalie fully set up for the shot for two full seconds, taking away basically the entire net. “Basically” is the key word here, though, as Draisaitl manages to find the small sliver of daylight that was there and wire a perfect shot through.

You won’t be-Leaf your eyes

When someone thinks of an Oilers superstar scoring a highlight reel solo effort goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs, they are usually thinking of that McDavid goal. Or maybe that other McDavid goal.

As usual, Draisaitl gets lost in Connor McDavid’s shadow. Draisaitl blows past one defender on the blue line, makes a slick toe drag on the other, and then gathers up his own rebound, kicks it to his stick, and slips it past the goalie just in the nick of time. An absolute beauty.

A goal on bended knee

After getting tripped, it would be difficult to get a decent shot off falling to your knees, but Draisaitl manages to do that here. It doesn’t go in though, so while still on his knees he gathers up his own rebound and wires a shot top corner like he was standing up. The definition of “down but not out.”

Here’s a tip: go between the legs

Another power play, another Draisaitl goal right? Well, not quite. This time, Draisaitl wasn’t in his spot, but instead found open ice right in front of the net after winning the face-off. When he sees Evan Bouchard coming in with the puck, he puts his paddle down to show he’s open for the slap pass. A pretty typical play, mind you. Except why not add a little flair and do that between the legs? If you got it, flaunt it.

This is but a taste of Draisaitl’s scoring ability, and I am sure I missed more than a few that are deserving to be on this list. So please, let me know how stupid I am for leaving those goals off and give me the link so I watch them to learn my lesson.

This article first appeared on The Oil Rig and was syndicated with permission.

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