Leon Draisaitl’s Dominant Play Sparks Edmonton Oilers’ Confidence as They Chase Fourth Straight Win with Zach Hyman Still Active
Leon Draisaitl has been here before. The stage, the pressure, the spotlight—none of it fazes the Edmonton Oilers’ superstar center, especially when the stakes are high. And now, as the Oilers head into Game 5 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series, Draisaitl is once again capturing headlines and commanding attention. With Edmonton surging on a three-game win streak, eyes are fixed on Draisaitl, whose recent performances have ignited the kind of belief that every Stanley Cup contender needs.
What separates Draisaitl from the crowd is more than just his scoring touch—though that, too, is in full form. It’s his ability to elevate his game precisely when his team needs it most. With each outing in this series, Draisaitl has reaffirmed why he is one of the most potent forces in the NHL. In Game 4, he was everywhere: making plays, controlling the pace, and putting his mark on every shift. When the game tightened, he found seams in the defense and exploited them. When his teammates needed a boost, he provided it. He looks less like a player reacting to the moment and more like one dictating it.
Ahead of Game 5, there’s a palpable sense of momentum in the Oilers’ camp. After falling behind in the series, Edmonton has clawed back with three consecutive wins, flipping the narrative and placing all the pressure squarely on their opponents. And no single player embodies that turnaround more than Draisaitl. He’s not just turning heads—he’s commanding the attention of every coach, scout, and analyst watching this series unfold.
What’s even more encouraging for the Oilers is the presence of Zach Hyman in the lineup. There were early concerns about whether he’d be able to suit up for this crucial game, but Hyman remains in, much to the relief of Edmonton fans. Hyman has quietly become one of the most consistent and reliable presences for the Oilers this postseason. His net-front presence, relentless work ethic, and ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities have been instrumental in helping Edmonton maintain offensive pressure.
Hyman doesn’t always make the highlight reels, but ask anyone in the locker room, and they’ll tell you: he’s one of the engines that keeps this team moving. His chemistry with Draisaitl and Connor McDavid is a big reason the Oilers’ top lines have overwhelmed opponents recently. Hyman’s role is complementary but vital. He creates space, draws defenders, and doesn’t back down from the gritty areas of the ice. While Draisaitl dazzles and McDavid accelerates past defenders, Hyman is often in the thick of things, crashing the crease or winning battles along the boards.
With Hyman staying in and Draisaitl playing at an MVP-caliber level, the Oilers look as complete and dangerous as they have all year. Their power play is humming, their transition game is crisp, and their forecheck is giving opponents fits. The trio of Draisaitl, McDavid, and Hyman has become one of the most feared combinations in the playoffs, and Game 5 offers them another chance to solidify their dominance.
Of course, Draisaitl’s rise hasn’t happened in a vacuum. He’s been here before, putting up prolific playoff numbers in past seasons. But there’s something different about this run. There’s a maturity and poise in his game that reflects the evolution of a player who knows exactly what’s required to win in May and June. He isn’t just trying to score—he’s setting the tone, making those around him better, and playing with a tenacity that suggests he’s not content with individual accolades. He wants a Stanley Cup.
Part of what’s making Draisaitl so effective right now is his versatility. He’s equally comfortable carrying the puck through the neutral zone or setting up in the offensive zone and dissecting a defense with precise passes. He’s also been remarkably efficient. Even in games where he’s not generating a flurry of shots, he finds a way to contribute—whether that’s through puck possession, defensive zone coverage, or drawing attention away from teammates who end up in scoring positions. He’s become the kind of player who impacts every inch of the ice.
And in the playoffs, that’s exactly what teams need. One-dimensional stars are often neutralized. Not Draisaitl. He adapts, evolves, and asserts himself in ways that few others can. In this series, he’s been matched against top defenders and still manages to generate offense with stunning regularity. His passing vision, puck protection, and lethal one-timer make him one of the toughest matchups in the league. Teams game plan for him, and yet he still delivers.
The Oilers have leaned into that identity—of a team that’s driven by its stars but built around a complete effort. Role players are stepping up. The defense is more disciplined. Goaltending has held its ground when needed. But it’s clear that when Draisaitl plays like this, the Oilers take on a different kind of energy. They believe they can beat anyone, in any building, under any circumstances. That belief is contagious.
Game 5 now looms large. It’s a potential turning point—a chance for Edmonton to seize full control of the series or give life back to their opponent. It’s also another opportunity for Draisaitl to stamp his authority on this postseason. His numbers are already impressive, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s become the emotional and strategic centerpiece of the Oilers’ attack, and Game 5 will be a stage tailor-made for his style of play.
And let’s not forget Hyman’s role in that dynamic. With each game, he reinforces why the Oilers prioritized acquiring him. He’s the kind of player you need in the playoffs—durable, dependable, and deceptively skilled. When he’s out there with Draisaitl, the Oilers have a one-two punch that can bend defensive structures and wear down top pairs. And when McDavid joins them on a shift, it often looks unfair.
The Oilers’ confidence right now is grounded in reality. They’re not just riding a hot streak—they’re executing better than their opponent. Their top players are thriving, their supporting cast is filling roles, and their bench boss is making timely adjustments. But the biggest reason they look like a team poised to make a deep run is Leon Draisaitl.
He’s not just producing—he’s imposing his will on the game. He’s forcing turnovers, dictating tempo, and carving up defenses with the kind of ease that only elite players possess. And as the Oilers chase a fourth straight win, that presence becomes even more important. Hockey, especially playoff hockey, is full of intangibles. Confidence, leadership, resolve—all of them matter. And Draisaitl is delivering in every department.
There’s a rhythm to his game right now that suggests he’s in complete control. He’s not pressing or overcomplicating. He’s reading the game, reacting instinctively, and making decisions that keep defenders guessing. Whether it’s on the power play or at even strength, he’s the player opponents least want to see coming down the ice. And for Oilers fans, that’s exactly who they want with the puck on his stick.
As the teams prepare for Game 5, all eyes will be on Draisaitl once again. Will he continue his torrid pace? Can he push the Oilers over the top and secure a commanding lead in the series? With Zach Hyman healthy and contributing, the Oilers have every reason to believe the answer is yes.
This stretch of dominance has reminded everyone just how dangerous the Oilers can be when their stars are leading the charge. And while much of the pre-series conversation focused on other teams and players, it’s Draisaitl who now finds himself at the center of the playoff narrative. Right where he belongs.
The Oilers’ pursuit of their fourth straight win has become more than just a storyline—it’s a statement. One fueled by the brilliance of Leon Draisaitl and the grit of players like Zach Hyman. If they keep this up, the Cup dream in Edmonton might not be a dream much longer.
