It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Edmonton Oilers are going to need more from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl than they ever have before. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Not now. Not with the two superstars in their late 20s and coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance.

The Edmonton Oilers are putting their foot fully on the gas pedal. They lost Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, and ahead of Wednesday's second game, they're doing something unexpected with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The Kings have caught the Oilers with injuries and defensive discipline early in their 2025 playoff series. Under immense stress, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are facing their greatest challenge as the Kings try to overcome the curse of their postseason.