Don Cherry butchers Leon Draisaitl's name in typical fashion, lauds Oilers superstar for filling Connor McDavid's void

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Nov 04, 2024 20:11 GMT

On his "The Grapevine Podcast" on Sunday, Don Cherry shared his thoughts on the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl playing without Connor McDavid. Cherry, who has often been critical of European players, praised Draisaitl, although he mispronounced his name as "Dice Idol." Cherry said the Oilers still have a big star to rely on.

“You watch Draisaitl," Cherry said. "Draisaitl always picks it up.”

Draisaitl has a history of stepping up when McDavid is out. In the 2019-20 season, he played well during McDavid’s six-game absence, putting himself in the running for the Hart Trophy, which he eventually won. He is once again proving that the Oilers are not a one-man team.

However, Edmonton is having a tough season. Some key players like Darnell Nurse and Stuart Skinner have had slow starts.

With McDavid out, the Oilers are counting on Draisaitl to lead the offense, and on Skinner to step up his game. Cherry’s nickname for Draisaitl may be off, but “Dice Idol” suits his big-play style.

Leon Draisaitl led Oilers in 4-2 win against Calgary Flames

The Edmonton Oilers won 4-2 against the Calgary Flames on Sunday as Zach Hyman scored the winning goal in the third period. He made it 3-2 with a power-play goal at 10:10. Hyman got behind Calgary’s defense, took a pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and lifted a shot over Dan Vladar. Mattias Janmark sealed the win with an empty-net goal with three seconds left.

Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the game. He took a pass from Vasily Podkolzin, spun and scored with a backhand shot. Jeff Skinner made it 2-0 at 8:12, jamming the puck in after his shot hit the post.

Calgary fought back with goals from Anthony Mantha and Yegor Sharangovich. Mantha scored on the power play, while Sharangovich tied it 2-2 in the third period.

Stuart Skinner made 29 saves for the Oilers and talked about his team's performance after the game.

“We come out strong when our backs are against the wall,” Skinner said.

Hyman praised Draisaitl for leading the team. Draisaitl has scored six points including three goals in the last two games without McDavid.

"He's playing unbelievable," Hyman said, per NHL.com, His whole line is playing great, and he's really driving the bus right now for our team in all areas of the game. He's been phenomenal."

The Oilers will return to action on Monday night at home against the New Jersey Devils.