CAMP: Lessons from losing

EDMONTON, AB -Leon Draisaitl has healed from the sting of last year's Round 1 playoff elimination at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets.
The recovery process took place during the abbreviated off-season and now, replaying the series almost four months later, the superstar is using that painful experience as a lesson for the upcoming campaign.
"Sometimes, something like that is good for a team. As much as it hurts," the German, who collected 84 points in 56 regular-season games and five in the four post-season matches against Winnipeg, said.
"Honestly, I thought we were the better team in all four games."

The Orange & Blue did put forth strong efforts in the North Division matchup, losing three contests by a single goal while out-shooting the Jets 159-138 overall. The room for improvement, Draisaitl believes, will have to come in the clutch department.
"We couldn't score at the right times," the alternate captain, set to enter his eighth season with the franchise, said. "Personally, that's the main issue. We couldn't find that goal that put you ahead or put the game out of reach. That's something we can learn from."
Training Camp may only be three days old but as the Oilers brain trust watch and evaluate the skater's attending, Draisaitl and the core are eyeing down their retribution tour.
"We have to get there first to make a push, really go deep and go for it," the third-overall pick in the 2014 National Hockey League Draft said. "I think we can all agree that we didn't play bad. Maybe the bounces weren't there but that's also something that you have to earn."

President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Ken Holland utilized the summer months to revamp the Oilers roster, adding the pedigree of veteran defenceman Duncan Keith to alleviate some of the pressure that accompanies playoff hockey.
"I'm assuming he's going to be really calm. Once it gets into the playoffs, that's when you'll really see guys look up to him. You can learn a lot from a guy like that," Draisaitl said of Keith.
The former Chicago Blackhawk and three-time Stanley Cup champion won't be the only new regular patrolling the defensive zone in Orange & Blue as
Edmonton's X-Factor
- 2018 10th-overall selection Evan Bouchard - is also slated to be in the lineup nightly.
"It's his time to make this team, crack the opening lineup and make an impact. We're going to look to him to produce offence and speed up our game in all aspects," Draisaitl said.

The player personnel up front was also renewed as Holland brought in free agent big fish Zach Hyman to strengthen the team's offence, Warren Foegele for his medley of size and skill, and Derek Ryan for support at centre ice. The new bodies will assist in pushing the team along as they attempt to lift open the window to win.
"This is the deepest group that we've had, maybe since I've been here," Draisaitl said. "It just gives us more options for the future. We're maybe a little bit more of an unpredictable group than we have been in the past."
A scar may remain from the most recent playoff loss but the players are better equipped for the next run. "We have a really good group in here and everyone seems to be motivated. We're all pulling in the same direction. We'll be better for it."