Leon Draisaitl makes his feelings known about Calvin Pickard's 27-save game in Oilers' disappointing 5-3 loss to Ducks

Leon Draisaitl shared his thoughts following the Edmonton Oilers' 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in their away game at Honda Center on Sunday.

He addressed the team's struggles and Calvin Pickard's performance in the post-game media availability.

"Not our best," Draisaitl admitted. "I think we let off the gas a little bit after the first 10 to 13 minutes & gave them a chance to get back into it. Not our best."

Pickard, who made 27 saves, impressed Draisaitl. He had a GAA of 4.13 in the game with a save percentage of .871.

"He deserved to get a win here," Draisaitl said. "Certainly gave us a chance to get it done. But, yeah, we let him down tonight."

Leon Draisaitl continued his strong season, scoring twice in the loss. His first goal came on a power play in the first period from a Connor McDavid assist. He added another in the second period, also set up by McDavid. The goals extended Draisaitl's point streak to 11 games and his league-leading goal total to 26.

The Oilers held a 3-1 lead but struggled defensively as Anaheim capitalized on its key opportunities. Edmonton’s defense needs to be strengthened for a run like last season's Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 7.

Leon Draisaitl has been performing well for the Edmonton Oilers this season. He has scored 55 points (26 goals and 29 assists), tied for second in the league in 36 games. In the Oilers' wins, he has contributed 19 goals and 25 assists with a plus-minus of 33, showing his importance to their success. Even in losses, he has added 11 points with a plus-minus of -15, proving his consistency.

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How Leon Draisaitl and Oilers lost to the Ducks despite early lead

The Edmonton Oilers scored first at 8:03 of the first period on a power play, through Leon Draisaitl. Evan Bouchard made it 2-0 at 11:49 with a wrist shot from the slot after Viktor Arvidsson had set up the play.

The Ducks responded at 13:52, with Cutter Gauthier scoring with a wrist shot from the left circle. Draisaitl added another power-play goal at 9:10 of the second period.

Drew Helleson made it 3-2 at 12:19 with a deflected shot off Darnell Nurse’s stick. Robby Fabbri made it 3-3 at 17:33 with a one-timer from the right circle, assisted by Mason McTavish.

Ryan Strome scored the go-ahead goal at 17:24 of the third after a video review confirmed that it had crossed the line. McTavish then sealed the Ducks’ 5-3 win with an empty-net goal with 52 seconds remaining.