Kris Knoblauch's gutsy coaching move still paying dividends for Edmonton Oilers two months later

Leon Draisaitl took a penalty for cross-checking Philadelphia grinder Garnet Hathaway before the period ended.

Coach Kris Knoblauch sent his newly-reunited power couple of Connor McDavid and Leon over the boards to get it back.

After his teammates killed the penalty, he played a normal post-PK power shift before returning to the bench.

But on the bench he would remain, as McDavid took a 5 -v5 shift without him, then another.

Only when the Oilers drew a penalty midway through that second McDavid shift did the coach put him back on the ice for the powerplay.

From then to the end of the game # 29 played like a.

Leon Draisaitl ranks first in the NHL in goals, points and plus and tied for last in penalty minutes.

He's always been a more physical player when he has the puck than not; he invites contact much more than initiates it.

The Edmonton Oilers have gone from middle of the pack in hits per 60 a season ago to 32nd in NHL in that department.

Nurse responded to that challenge with a sustained display of outstanding hockey.