Kris Knoblauch reveals reason behind Leon Draisaitl's short absence in second period

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch disclosed Leon Draisaitl was suffering from cramps and hence left the bench late in the second period in Game 1 against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.

Draisaitl didn't play the final eight minutes of the second period and went back to the locker room. Even when he attempted to get back to the ice, he didn't last more than 10 seconds and had to come off immediately.

In the post-game interview, Knoblauch said:

"Between cramping and equipment issues that's why his ice-time was down."

During the second-period intermission on Sportsnet's broadcast, insider Elliotte Friedman indicated that there was an issue that prevented Draisaitl from playing effectively, leading to his short ice time in the second period.

"There is mystery and some concern," Friedman said. "Leon Draisaitl did not play the last eight minutes of the second period went back to the room.

"Then he does try to go one more time. Greg showed it to you during the period. He didn't last 10 seconds and then had to come right off the ice."

There was a specific moment that could have led to Draisaitl leaving the ice. In the second period, the Oilers forward experienced a push from Tyler Myers on the back, which appeared to be completely unintentional.

The incident near the boards might have played a role in Draisaitl's departure from the ice.

Draisaitl returned to the ice in the third period to complete the game.

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Ryan Whitney speculates reason behind Leon Draisaitl's absence

NHL analyst Ryan Whitney shared his concerns about Draisaitl's absence on X/Twitter. He speculated that the issue might be related to Leon Draisaitl's lower back or a rib, as it didn't appear to be a lower-body injury.

"Maybe lower back or a rib or something? Didn’t seem be anything lower body. Please let this man be ok. On the bright side we’ve seen him dominate a playoff series with a sprained ankle in the past," Whitney wrote.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing loss for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 against the Vancouver Canucks. The Oilers squandered a 4-2 lead in the third period.

The Canucks scored three goals in the final period to secure a 5-4 win in the first game of their second-round series at the Rogers Arena. Game 2 takes place on Friday.