Leon Draisaitl filling the void left by injured Oilers' captain Connor McDavid
Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl, right, celebrates his goal with teammate Evan Bouchard during first period NHL hockey action against the Calgary Flames in Calgary on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press)
CALGARY -
The Edmonton Oilers continue to dig themselves out of their early-season hole with Leon Draisaitl wielding a wide shovel in the absence of captain and NHL star Connor McDavid.
Draisaitl's second three-point night since McDavid was sidelined with an ankle injury paced the Oilers to a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Sunday in Edmonton's lone visit to the Saddledome this season.
Draisaitl scored twice and had an assist in Edmonton's 5-1 win in Nashville the day after McDavid was declared out for two to three weeks.
Draisaitl spurred the Oilers out of the gates Sunday by scoring 20 seconds after the opening faceoff with a deft backhand over Flames goalie Dan Vladar.
The German forward assisted on Zach Hyman's game-winning, power-play goal and on Mattias Janmark's empty-netter in the third period.
"He's really driving the bus right now for our team and in all areas of the game," said Hyman, who scored his second goal in as many games after totalling 54 last season.
After the Oilers' 0-3 start, last season's Stanley Cup finalist started to recover only to lose McDavid, the Conn Smythe trophy winner as playoff MVP, to an ankle injury in Edmonton's 10th game of the season.
But Draisaitl, who signed an eight-year, US$112-million contract extension with the Oilers, was already heating up before McDavid's injury.
Draisaitl has five goals and three assists in four straight road games for Edmonton (6-5-1), which has won four of its last five.
The 29-year-old's quick goal Sunday was the fourth-fastest goal by an Oiler in a "Battle of Alberta" against the Flames behind Petr Klima in 1991 (0:09), Craig MacTavish in 1989 (0:12) and Marty McSorley in 1986 (0:14).
Draisaitl also assisted on Viktor Arvidsson's goal just 37 seconds into the win over the Predators.
"Amazing," said Oilers defenceman Mattias Eckholm. "Sometimes I think he gets overlooked when Connor does his thing.
"There's nights when he should be getting maybe bigger highlights and bigger spotlights than he actually does when Connor's in and he does his thing."
Draisaitl has averaged a point per game in 56 career games without McDavid since the latter was drafted first overall by the Oilers in 2015, according to NHL statisticians.
"He's the best player in the world, but they have probably the next-best player in the world too and he just elevates his play when his partner's not in there," Flames head coach Ryan Huska said following Sunday morning's skate.
After dropping the season's first instalment of the Battle of Alberta 4-1 at home on Oct. 13, Edmonton led 2-0 by 8:12 of the opening period on Jeff Skinner's goal.
Calgary (6-5-1) pushed back in front of an announced sellout of 19,289 at the Saddledome with Anthony Mantha's second-period goal and Yegor Sharangovich's in the third to pull the Flames even.
Edmonton's power play that's been slow to get going this season scored on the second of three power-play chances in the third period for the go-ahead goal.
Calgary's too-many-men penalty with just over two minutes to play hampered the Flames' chances of sending the game to overtime.
Oilers' goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 29 shots for the win and Vladar 27 in the loss.
The Oilers lost the Stanley Cup final's Game 7 to the Florida Panthers on June 24. McDavid was the first skater on a losing team to earn the Conn Smythe since 1976.
The Oilers want their captain back in the lineup as soon as possible to take them deep into the post-season again, but Draisaitl has more than filled the void.
"He's skating so good right now and he's flying, he's hitting, he's making good plays," Stuart Skinner said. "He's leading us off the ice as well. It's been lovely to just watch."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Felonies, assassination attempts and a last-minute change on the ticket leads voters to Tuesday's U.S. election
A campaign that has careened through a felony trial, incumbent being pushed off the ticket and assassination attempts comes down to Election Day on Tuesday.
Elections BC says box of 861 votes uncounted, others votes unreported
Elections BC says it has discovered that a ballot box containing 861 votes wasn't counted in the recent provincial election, as well as other mistakes including 14 votes going unreported in a crucial riding narrowly won by the NDP.
Peel police officer suspended after video appeared to show him at protest while off duty
Peel police say four people were arrested and an officer was injured following several protests in Mississauga and Brampton Sunday afternoon, including one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.
Canadians prefer Trudeau work with Harris, Poilievre with Trump: Angus Reid
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
Surprise swing state? Iowa poll has Harris suddenly leading
Based on victories in the past two elections and polls leading up to Tuesday’s election, Donald Trump had seemed almost certain to win Iowa, but a new poll has Kamala Harris with a sudden three-point lead.
Russia suspected of sending incendiary devices on US- and Canada-bound planes, Wall Street Journal reports
Incendiary devices that ignited in Germany and the United Kingdom in July were part of a covert Russian operation that aimed to start fires aboard cargo and passenger flights heading to the U.S. and Canada, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday, citing Western security officials.
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
3 arrested as protesters clash outside Hindu temple in Surrey, B.C.
Three people were arrested after duelling protests erupted into violence outside a Hindu temple in Surrey, B.C., over the weekend, according to the RCMP.
Musk PAC tells Philadelphia judge the US$1M sweepstakes winners are not chosen by chance
A lawyer for Elon Musk 's political action committee told a judge in Philadelphia on Monday that so-called 'winners' of his US$1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes in swing states are not chosen by chance but are instead chosen to be paid 'spokespeople' for the group.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Calgary
-
Fatal northeast Calgary crash investigated by police
One person was killed in a crash east of the Calgary airport on Monday.
-
Calgary man missing for more than a year
Calgary police are looking for help to locate a 29-year-old man who's been missing since September 2023.
-
Calgary police move District 1 from Ramsay to downtown core
Calgary police are making changes downtown.
Lethbridge
-
Mining company makes extra push by lobbying for coal mine in Crowsnest Pass
Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter said a vote later this month is looking to hear from residents to determine if they want to see the coal industry come back to the region.
-
Hurricanes fall short in Red Deer, losing to Rebels 5-4
The Hurricanes weathered an early storm Saturday but eventually fell, losing 5-4 to the Rebels in a game played in Red Deer.
-
Lethbridge County, nearby municipalities reach new emergency management partnership
Lethbridge County and the towns of Coalhurst, Nobleford and Picture Butte and the village of Barons have signed a new regional emergency management partnership agreement.
Saskatoon
-
Angose 'Goose' Standingwater was stabbed in the backseat of moving van before going to Boston Pizza for help
New details of a 2023 fatal stabbing — where the victim walked into Boston Pizza to get help — emerged at Saskatoon Provincial Court, during a sentencing hearing on Monday.
-
'It gets kind of gross': Residents in downtown building left frustrated without water
Residents of an apartment in downtown Saskatoon were left without water this weekend.
-
Fake bus passes are being sold in Saskatoon, city’s transit service says
Saskatoon Transit wants riders to know about a fraudulent social media account selling fake fare passes.
Regina
-
Jury selection in sexual assault case of Regina chiropractor underway
Jury selection is underway in the trial of Ruben Manz, a Regina-based chiropractor who is facing multiple counts of sexual assault.
-
SHA employee fired for allegedly double dipping
Two former employees affiliated with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and the province's Health Quality Council (HQC) were terminated after allegedly being paid by a separate employer at the same time.
-
Here are the candidates for Ward 4 in Regina
Here's a look at the large pool of candidates for Regina's Ward 4.
Vancouver
-
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
-
No jail time for man who drove truck through residential school march in B.C.
A British Columbia senior who drove his pickup truck into a march for Indigenous residential school survivors will avoid jail time after he was sentenced Monday to nine months of house arrest.
-
B.C. man who 'bragged' about sexually assaulting teen girl sentenced
A B.C. man who raped a teenage girl, shared photos of her, and boasted to his friends about his crimes in a group chat, lost his bid to have the case tossed over delays and has been sentenced.
Vancouver Island
-
Months after VRBO booking, Taylor Swift fan told home 'not available' during Vancouver concert
A frustrated Taylor Swift fan is speaking out after being pushed from a short-term rental she booked for the upcoming Vancouver leg of the superstar’s Eras Tour.
-
No jail time for man who drove truck through residential school march in B.C.
A British Columbia senior who drove his pickup truck into a march for Indigenous residential school survivors will avoid jail time after he was sentenced Monday to nine months of house arrest.
-
Thousands without power as storm warnings blanket B.C.
More than 150,000 households and businesses in British Columbia were without electricity Monday as high winds and heavy rains downed power lines and prompted storm warnings across the province.
Toronto
-
Peel police officer suspended after video appeared to show him at protest while off duty
Peel police say four people were arrested and an officer was injured following several protests in Mississauga and Brampton Sunday afternoon, including one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.
-
Video shows suspect firing 18 shots at York Region home, shattering bedroom window
Police have released video footage that shows an unidentified suspect firing at least 18 shots at a home in York Region on Sunday night.
-
Voters head to polls in Ward 15 byelection
Voters in Ward 15 are heading to the polls today to choose a new councillor.
Montreal
-
American expats in Canada mobilize for U.S. election day
With just one day before the U.S election, American expatriates living in Canada are mobilizing to get the vote out.
-
Quebec police association wants to raise awareness for officers' mental health
To support them in their psychological well-being, the Association des directeurs de police du Québec (ADPQ) is setting up a mental health program for all officers in the province.
-
Hydro-Québec trims and fells Beaconsfield trees in preparation for winter storms
Hydro-Québec is currently trimming and felling trees in Beaconsfield to reduce the risk of wires being pulled down during storms.
Atlantic
-
Pair of rare November tornadoes touch down in New Brunswick last week
A research team has confirmed a pair of tornadoes touched down in central New Brunswick last week.
-
Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3 last week, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
-
RCMP investigating 'sudden deaths' of two people in Cole Harbour, N.S.
The RCMP says it is investigating the sudden deaths of two people in Cole Harbour, N.S.
Winnipeg
-
'The best that we can be': Indigenous judge and TRC chair Murray Sinclair dies at 73
Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.
-
Man bear sprayed, run over by vehicle during car jacking at Winnipeg intersection
Winnipeg police are investigating after a man was carjacked early Sunday morning.
-
Toddler at centre of Manitoba homicide investigation taken away from caregiver at nine months old
Natalie Anderson remembers the last time she saw nine-month old Xavia Butler in person.
Ottawa
-
Barrhaven residents to hold second rally Tuesday to oppose 'sprung structures' for asylum seekers
Another rally is planned for Tuesday as residents push back on a city proposal to build a tentlike structure to house asylum seekers.
-
Scotiabank to eliminate tellers at some branches, including Carleton University
Scotiabank is eliminating tellers at some of its branches, including one at Carleton University, and switching to "advice services only."
-
Mother of eastern Ontario boat crash victim remembers daughter
170 days ago, Alison Côté lost her 22-year-old daughter, Juliette, in a tragic boat crash.
Northern Ontario
-
Heavy police presence in Haileybury, Cobalt for investigation: OPP
One person has been arrested and provincial police in the Temiskaming area of northern Ontario are asking the public to stay away from two separate areas as the investigation continues.
-
Man killed, woman injured in Chelmsford rollover after doing donuts in open field
Greater Sudbury police say a man was killed and his female passenger injured when they were ejected from a vehicle in Chelmsford while he was doing donuts in an open field Sunday afternoon.
-
Surprise swing state? Iowa poll has Harris suddenly leading
Based on victories in the past two elections and polls leading up to Tuesday’s election, Donald Trump had seemed almost certain to win Iowa, but a new poll has Kamala Harris with a sudden three-point lead.
Barrie
-
Barrie woman struck by vehicle while crossing street speaks out with message to drivers
A mother who was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street in south Barrie last week is lucky to be alive and thankful to those who came to her aid.
-
One dead in Springwater crash, 3 others hospitalized
Police are investigating a collision in Springwater Township that claimed the life of one individual and sent three other people, including a young teen, to the hospital over the weekend.
-
Loaded firearm seized during search of vehicle at Innisfil R.I.D.E. checkpoint
A man from Innisfil is facing several weapons-related charges after officers conducting a R.I.D.E. checkpoint on Innisfil Beach Road said they spotted open liquor inside a vehicle.
Kitchener
-
Erick Buhr found guilty of second-degree murder in grandmother’s death
Erick Buhr has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his grandmother, Viola Erb.
-
4-month-old suffers serious injuries following alleged assault in Hanover, Ont., woman charged
The Hanover Police Service said they received a report in the early morning hours of Oct. 30 of an injured 4-month-old baby who was treated at the emergency department of the Hanover and District Hospital.
-
Meet the winner of the Humane Society's Taylor Swift draw
A winner has been chosen as a massive fundraiser for the Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth Humane Society comes to a close.
London
-
Death investigation underway in Lambton County along Highway 402
A portion of Highway 402 in Lambton County is closed as part of a sudden death investigation. According to police, both westbound lanes and eastbound lanes are closed between Nauvoo Road and Forest road.
-
'Expense of protecting this building is impossible': Business owners in Sarnia, Ont. frustrated with increasing property crime
Any dreams of re-opening The Neutral Zone (TNZ) Paintball in Sarnia, Ont. went up in flames Saturday. Closed since the pandemic, the outdoor business has seen repeated thefts and damage to the property.
-
Residents awoken after man broke into London home and threatened them: Police
Police say that a London man has been arrested following a break and enter that took place on Friday morning.
Windsor
-
City of Windsor takes legal action against feds over costs from bridge blockade
They City of Windsor is taking legal action against the federal government.
-
Health care partners combining efforts to tackle increased hospital volumes
Windsor-Essex health care partners are working together in anticipation of increased hospital volumes heading into the winter.
-
Public board trustees asked to stand up for students
The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) is asking trustees to vote on a multi-year financial recovery plan to help make up a $6.3-million deficit.
