Leon Draisaitl himself provides update on his status for Game 2

In Game 1 of the second round series between Vancouver and Edmonton, the Canucks made an exhilarating, improbable comeback against the Oilers to win 5-4 and take the lead in the series.

The Oilers’ downfall sort of began after superstar Leon Draisaitl left the team’s bench with an apparent injury in the second period. He did return to play a bit in the third frame, but head coach Kris Knoblauch limited Draisaitl’s playing time significantly.

Fans have been awaiting for an update on Draisaitl’s condition and, on Friday, hours before puck drop, the star forward himself provided the information, claiming he would characterize himself as a game time decision for Game 2. Coach Knoblauch also stated that Draisaitl and Adam Henrique will take warmups tonight and will be game-time decisions. 

Draisaitl missed practice on Thursday and his head coach confirmed that Draisaitl is out of the lineup ‘day to day’. He was not part of the optional skate this morning either. 

Fans and pundits have been looking at Draisaitl’s last shift to see what might have happened to the Oilers’ forward. Some believe it could be an issue with his lower back possibly.

On the last shift of the second period before he headed to the team’s dressing room, Draisaitl got cross-checked low on his back by defenseman Tyler Myers and appeared in discomfort. Moments later, forward Dakota Joshua pushed him off in the same spot, and it looked to be painful for the Oilers’ star.

In the first round series against the Los Angeles Kings, Draisaitl put up five goals and 10 points in five games.

In Game 1 against Vancouver, he still recorded two assists and just under 17 minutes of ice-time.

In the past, Draisaitl has proven that it will take a lot for him to miss action and that, even injured, he can still contribute to the Oilers.

Now, we’ll find out how bad it is later tonight.

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