German ice hockey star Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers are sliding ever deeper into crisis in the North American professional league NHL.
The Canadians, who started the season as co-favorites for the Stanley Cup, also lost the home game against the New York Rangers 3-0, thus suffering their sixth defeat in their seventh game of the season.
In the absence of his strike partner Connor McDavid, who was still injured, Draisaitl received the most playing time of all Oilers outfield players, but he was also unable to convince.
Defeats also for Seider, Stützle and Sturm
Things didn’t go any better for the other Germans in the NHL. The Detroit Red Wings around Moritz Seider, who got off to a strong start, lost 4-1 at home to the Winnipeg Jets, with Seider at least providing the assist for his team’s only goal. This means the 22-year-old already has eight scorer points in the current season.
Tim Stützle and the Ottawa Senators were narrowly defeated by the New York Islanders 2-3 away. The 21-year-old Stützle also provided an assist, his sixth of the season. He has also already scored two goals himself.
The San Jose Sharks’ guest appearance with Nico Sturm at Tampa Bay Lightning was bitter. There was nothing to gain for the Californians in Florida, the Sharks lost 6-0. Goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer was not used in the Seattle Kraken’s 3-2 defeat at the Carolina Hurricanes.
Meanwhile, the impressive record streak of former champions Colorado Avalanche ended. After 15 away wins in a row, the team from Denver lost 4-0 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was also Colorado’s first loss of the season.
