An MVP-caliber season has put one of the league’s superstars in the history books.
In another thrilling conclusion in the Battle of Alberta, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl had the last laugh on Saturday night, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Oilers a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames.
Not only was it the 51st goal of Draisaitl’s season, but it was also his sixth overtime winner of the year, setting a new NHL record for extra-time tallies in a single season.
The previous record of five was shared between five players, including Steven Stamkos when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011-12, the year he scored 60 goals.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho currently has five as well and could tie Draisaitl before the regular season is said and done.
The overtime winner wasn’t the only big moment for Draisaitl on Saturday night. The German star finally potted his 50th goal of the season in the latter part of the third period, which sent the game to OT. It was the fourth time in his career that he’s reached the half-century mark in a single season.
Draisaitl is now tied with Hockey Hall of Famer Jari Kurri for the second-most 50-goal seasons in Oilers history. He only trails Wayne Gretzky, who posted at least 50 goals eight times during his tenure in Edmonton.
Draisaitl goes into the final weeks of the 2024-25 season battling with Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon for the Hart Trophy. Both players have had magnificent seasons, with each deserving of league MVP honors. Currently, Draisaitl leads the NHL in goals, registering 53 assists and 104 points in 69 games.
He trails both MacKinnon and Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov in overall scoring, as they’re tied for the league lead with 109 points apiece.
The Oilers (42-26-5) are third in the Pacific Divison, nine points back of the first-place Vegas Golden Knights. Edmonton is set to visit the Golden Knights on Tuesday.
