Overview
- Draisaitl, activated off long-term injured reserve Monday, dressed for Game 1 and took warmups in Edmonton.
- He missed the final 14 regular-season games after a March 15 lower-body injury, visited a specialist in Germany, and told reporters he felt good after recent full practices.
- Coach Kris Knoblauch kept his status as a game-time decision, while betting markets listed Edmonton as the series favorite with his availability viewed as a major boost.
- Forward Jason Dickinson was also available after a brief absence, giving the Oilers a near-healthy lineup for the opener and options to slot Draisaitl on the second line and the top power play.
- Draisaitl posted 97 points in 65 games and has 141 points in 96 career playoff games, and the Oilers hold home ice after finishing second in the Pacific and taking two of three from Anaheim this season.