Welcome to another edition of NHL Notebook, where we examine current events across the league!
It was a busy slate of games across the board, with the league scoring race and playoff picture coming into greater focus following Saturday’s contests. Let’s get right into it!
Leon Draisaitl leads Oilers to overtime victory, scores 50th and 51st goal
Leon Draisaitl is running away with the Rocket Richard this season, with due apologies to William Nylander. Draisaitl returned to action after missing four games due to injury and was no worse for wearing, scoring twice, including the overtime winner in a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. Here is Draisatil’s 51st goal of the season:
LEON DRAISAITL WINS IT IN OVERTIME!
GOOD NIGHT, CALGARY!
📹: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/QLCW9gShjj
— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) March 30, 2025
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Draisaitl also set a single-season record with his sixth overtime goal, per Sportsnet.
It’s the fourth time Draisaitl has reached the 50-goal mark in his career and he currently sports a nine-goal lead over Nylander for the Rocket Richard. Draisaitl ranks third in NHL scoring with 104 points and despite the four-game absence, he’s a leading contender to win the Hart Trophy for the second time in his career. And with the Oilers firmly fighting to maintain a narrow lead in the playoff race, Draisaitl’s return couldn’t have come a better time.
Nikita Kucherov enters tie for NHL scoring lead
Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov is also pushing for his second Hart Trophy. Kucherov has been in outstanding form all season, which has become a national talking point again, as he’s recorded 11 points in his past three games. The dynamic winger led the Lightning to a 5-3 victory over the New York Islanders, with a goal and four points. He’s been in all-world form as of late, perhaps sending a warning shot to the rest of the league that the dynasty may be back on.
Heck of a shot from Nikita Kucherov for his 33rd goal of the year, Lightning strike first!#GoBolts pic.twitter.com/TGedL31X20
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 29, 2025
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Kucherov is now tied with Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL’s scoring lead with 109 points each. Tampa Bay is on a three-game winning streak, led by Kucherov’s outstanding play and it is pushing for the Atlantic Division lead, currently one point back of the Toronto Maple Leafs. We’ll be monitoring the Floridian teams closely down the final stretch of the season, and it’s pretty easy to get caught watching Kucherov’s highlights on repeat.