This coming weekend it is the NHL All-Star weekend. This is a great opportunity to see the league’s best players showcase the skill that they have. This year there are two Edmonton Oilers being sent to the event, obviously the players Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
Leon Draisaitl
Leon Draisaitl currently sits second in the league in scoring with 63 points one point behind Florida Panthers left winger Jonathan Huberdeau who has 64. Even though Draisaitl is only one point back he has played 5 less games. In players that have played 20 or more games Draisaitl is 1st in points per game with 1.5 P/GP, whereas Huberdeau has a 1.36 P/GP
Leon is also second in the NHL in goals with 32, 1 behind New York Rangers Chris Kreider who has 33. Just like the point’s race Kreider has played 5 more games than Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl’s 0.76 G/GP is much better than Kreider’s 0.70 G/GP. For perspective if they keep this rate after 82 games Draisaitl will have 62 goals where Kreider will have 57. I honestly don’t think either of these players will keep that exact pace, but I would believe that if either of them do it is more likely to be Leon Draisaitl.
Leon’s goal scoring ability should be on full display this weekend. Not only will his skill be on display in the All-Star games, but he will also be a participant in one of the Skills Competitions. He will be featured in the NHL Accuracy Shooting.
He will be battling against 7 other All-Stars. The players he will be going against are Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, Penguins forward Jake Guentzel, Ducks forward Troy Terry, Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron and Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault.
This is a line-up of very skilled players. As much as Leon Draisaitl is probably the best goal scorer in the group that does equate to victory in these games. I would still expect him to finish near the top of the standing, but don’t hold your breath for a victory on this one.