The Edmonton Oilers got a much needed victory last night in their 4-1 win vs the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers were able to extend the series on the verge of elimination and force a Game 6 matchup at Anaheim on Thursday.
A big catalyst for this result was the play of Edmonton captain Connor McDavid. McDavid was a gametime decision heading into the matchup as he has been navigating injury throughout this series. But, he was cleared to play and put on his best performance in what to this point had been an unusually quiet playoff run for McDavid’s standards.
Connor McDavid Ties Playoff Record in Oilers Win
McDavid made history last night as he recorded two assists in the Oilers win. Those two points were good enough to tie Patrick Kane for the most points from a player in playoff elimination games at 25 total. If McDavid were to record a point in tomorrow’s game that would give him the record outright.
This statistic is a testament to the clutch nature of McDavid when the stakes are at the absolute highest. He has that rare ability to reach another gear when the games mean the most. Yesterday’s performance was a stark reminder to never count out the Oilers when down in a playoff series. They have been in this position before and as long as they have McDavid in the fold they always have a chance when the going gets tough.
Thus far in five games versus the Ducks, McDavid has recorded one goal and five assists for six points. In his entire postseason career, McDavid has amassed 45 goals and 111 assists for 156 points in 111 games. Only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux have registered more points through their initial 100 playoff games than McDavid all time.
McDavid Still Searching for Stanley Cup Ring
Of course the difference between these two record holders in question, McDavid and Kane, is that one has won three Stanley Cups and the other is still searching for his first.
Kane won three Stanley Cups during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. He was the driving force behind these championship team’s with his clutch factor down the stretch. He won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP during Chicago’s 2013 run.
Like Kane, McDavid has also won the Conn Smythe trophy. However, he did so in a losing effort to the Florida Panthers as the Oilers were the finalists in 2024. And they were once again the bridesmaids in 2025 as they went consecutive seasons coming up short to Florida in the final.
Unlike Kane, McDavid has yet to win a Stanley Cup in his storied career with Edmonton. He is hoping this can be the year that changes in what is now his 11th season in the NHL. Although his Oilers have a lot of work to do from that regard as they currently trail in their first round series 3-2 to Anaheim. In the meantime, McDavid will aim to help his squad complete the 3-1 comeback and move on to round 2.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Connor McDavid Makes History in Oilers Game 5 Win appeared first on HEAVY.