THE The Edmonton Oilers got off to a slow start into the 2024-25 season. The Oilers lost their opening game against the Winnipeg Jets 6-0 and had a brutal early chance. It looked like the Oilers were headed for another loss on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings. However, Leon Draisaitl came to the rescue when the Oilers needed him most.

Draisaitl scored two goals Sunday night, including the game-winner in overtime. He also provided an assist on another goal as the Oilers earned a 3-2 victory in Detroit. Edmonton’s superstar I didn’t take all the creditHowever. He praised defender Mattias Ekholm, particularly for his role in the overtime winning goal.

“Very rarely have I gotten a better (pass) or easier grab than that one. It was the whole world. He’s just an incredible player,” Draisaitl told reporters after the game in a video shared by the Oilers on social media.

Leon Draisaitl gives Oilers a victory for his birthday

Leon Draisaitl turned 29 on Sunday. And he couldn’t have asked for a better gift than a three-point night. In the end, Edmonton received a gift as the Oilers took both points in a hard-fought game against the Red Wings.

The Red Wings opened the scoring in the first half as JT Compher scored his third of the season. Detroit played arguably its best hockey of the entire season in the first period and took a 1-0 lead into the locker room. Draisaitl scored his first goal of the night to tie the score in the second period, but Andrew Copp immediately gave the Red Wings the lead again.

The Oilers gained more momentum in the second period, but didn’t break through until the third. Evan Bouchard received a pass from Draisaitl and tipped it past former Edmonton goaltender Cam Talbot to tie the game. Both teams fought for the decisive goal in the third period. However, an additional period was necessary on Sunday evening.

Overtime was necessary but it did not last long. Mattias Ekholm received a cross pass in the offensive zone. Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider moved into position to try to block the pass. But Ekholm found Draisaitl at the back door who tapped it past Talbot to secure an Oilers victory just 18 seconds into overtime.

Edmonton is certainly hoping this win can spark their season. They are 4-4-1 on the year and looking to close out October with a bang. They continue their three-game road trip on Monday when they travel to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets.