EDMONTON, Alberta - As the Edmonton Oilers face a 3-0 deficit heading into Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has come to the defense of center Leon Draisaitl. Despite being the playoffs' second-leading scorer, Draisaitl has yet to register a point in the final series.

Draisaitl had been on a tear throughout the postseason, amassing an impressive 28 points in 18 games leading up to the final. With 10 goals, he stood second on the team's scoring chart, just behind winger Zach Hyman, who had netted 14 goals. However, Draisaitl's production has hit a roadblock in the final, where he has failed to tally a single point.

Yet, Coach Knoblauch rejects the notion that Draisaitl is playing poorly, expressing his belief that the center is contributing in other ways. Despite his lack of points, Draisaitl remains active on the ice, ranking third on the team in shots on goal (9) and fourth in shot attempts (16) in all situations during the final. Knoblauch also highlighted Draisaitl's playmaking abilities, pointing out his role as the catalyst for Ryan McLeod's goal in Game 3.

The Panthers' strong defensive play has proven challenging for the Oilers' top scorers, including Draisaitl. Florida has held the Oilers' top five scorers without a 5-on-5 goal throughout the final. Notably, the Panthers also managed to shut down stars like Artemi Panarin, David Pastrnak, and Nikita Kucherov in the playoffs leading up to the final.

Draisaitl himself expressed frustration at his lack of production, acknowledging that he needs to perform better. However, Knoblauch commended Draisaitl's accountability and refusal to make excuses for his performance.

Despite being on the brink of elimination, the Oilers remain confident and assert they have outplayed the Panthers throughout the series. Forward Connor Brown emphasized the team's ability to thrive when backed into a corner, stating that they feel more comfortable in such situations.

To further motivate the team, former defenseman Duncan Keith shared his own comeback story with the team, recounting the Chicago Blackhawks' rally from a 3-0 deficit against the Vancouver Canucks in the 2011 Western Conference quarterfinals. The Oilers hope to draw inspiration from Keith's words as they aim to turn the series around.

Although the Oilers face an uphill battle, they are determined to prove their resilience and mount a comeback. As Game 4 approaches, all eyes will be on Draisaitl and the Oilers' ability to break through the Panthers' defensive wall and avoid elimination.