The night ended 4-3 for the Edmonton Oilers, marking their 5th straight defeat. It was a night that saw frustrations boil over and tensions rise as the team struggled defensively, and offensive firepower just couldn’t bail them out. A bad omen for the playoffs? Still too soon to tell, but at the moment things aren’t looking too hot for the Oilers. Understandably, the fans have also expressed their frustrations, just as their star player did…
Following their latest defeat against the Florida Panthers, Oilers star Leon Draisaitl lost his temper. Visibly so. Gino Hard media posted a clip on their X account that captured Draisaitl kicking the bench door while heading towards the dressing room after the loss. His reaction said it all, as the Oilers struggle to get out of this rut.
Frustration setting in as Leon Draisaitl kicks the bench door on the way off the ice
The Oilers have dropped 5 games in a row. pic.twitter.com/H7P7lvmKxo
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) February 28, 2025
Not only were his frustrations on full display, but Draisaitl also appeared to glare at goaltender Stuart Skinner before storming down the tunnel with his teammates. Although Skinner wasn’t awful against the Panthers, it’s true that his overall form in recent games has left a lot to be desired. In the league, he’s 32nd for goals against average, with a 2.87 GAA, and 33rd for save percentage with a .898 SV%. These are not good numbers for a team so heavily favored to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup come summer.
It’s understandable why Leon Draisaitl is so frustrated. After all, he’s on the other end of that spectrum. He’s the league leader for goals, with 44, and in second place for points, with 88, only two points off Nathan MacKinnon. When you’re putting up these kinds of numbers, doing everything you can to push your team over the line, only for these efforts to be invalidated? Well, it can’t be the best feeling.
But what can the Oilers do to improve? Well, the NHL trade deadline is only a week away on 7 March—a good time to consider bringing in reinforcements. According to Sportsnet, the Oilers, though they initially weren’t looking for a goaltender, may consider making a move for Jordan Binnington, who is reportedly on the market. And, with frustration rising from all corners, the team has to make some kind of change.
Fans react to Leon Draisaitl’s frustration
The Oilers lack effort and intensity in their current games, as one fan wrote, “They did not dig in tonight ,” expecting a more gritty showing from their team. The Oilers simply did not exhibit a strong enough will to win, and fans could sense it.
They even went on to discuss the changes the team needs at this point. Naturally ‘Goaltender’ was a priority position for fans, as one wrote, “Oilers need Gibson.” Considering the options, Oilers fans may very well see Gibson as an upgrade on Skinner, and one they wouldn’t oppose.
But here comes a critical response—“About time Leon got mad. I think Connor has already checked out. After seeing what a real team looks like, what an average goalie can do, he’s had enough with carrying this ‘team.’ The Oilers need to fire their goalie coach and get new goalies.” For them, it looked like their captain was unable to readjust to playing with the Oilers after playing on the star-studded Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
So, Draisaitl’s emotional reaction came as a welcome response during a time when McDavid’s investment in the team was looking suspect. But ultimately, the problems boiled down to a single cause: the goaltender. “Ya…t…they need a goalie. They have for a long time,” wrote one fan.
However, there was also a lot of commiseration about Draisaitl’s situation. “I’d be pissed off too,” said a fan. If the Oilers want to remain Cup contenders, something has to give. When their competitors have goalies like Connor Hellebuyck, on track for his second Vezina Trophy, and Logan Thompson, currently having a stellar, career-best season, it’s clear that Skinner’s form will not hold up. But will the Oilers act on their problem? With one week left till the trade deadline, we’ll find out soon enough.
The post “Oilers Need to Fire Their Goalie Coach”: Leon Draisaitl’s Frustration Raises Fury Amongst Fans appeared first on EssentiallySports.
