5 questions Oilers must answer during 6-game road trip

4) Can Connor McDavid continue his hot streak?

This question is more of a fun one, although it doesn’t make it any less important. As much as the defensive play was key to the recent winning streak, so was the improvement in Connor McDavid’s points production.

It’s been an interesting season for McDavid, with arguably more adversity than usual. There was the recent controversy surrounding his induction into the Canada Hall of Fame, preceded by unnecessary criticism from so-called fans and an injury which caused him to miss two games.

At the heart of any dissatisfaction was the lack of points from the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner, with ‘only’ 16 in his first 16 games this season. In some respects, this showed exactly how much is expected of him, combined with people just taking his usual level of production for granted.

Fortunately for everyone connected with the Oilers, this is a man with superior mental fortitude and determination. Starting with four assists in a 5-0 shutout of the Captials, McDavid’s been on a tear of late.

The six-time All-Star has 25 points in his last 10 games, which encompassed the recent eight-game winning streak. As a result, he’s soared up the scoring charts in the NHL.

At one stage not even in the top 100, McDavid now sits in tied-fifth place as of Monday morning with 41 points. Yes there’s still six points separating him from second place, and 11 from first, but he does have games in hand. (Even allowing for missing the aforementioned two games.)

The recent scoring surge was also highlighted by an impressive feat not seen since 1995-96, when the 26-year-old had three points in the 5-4 shootout win over the Golden Knights. As per Ryan Gaydos of Fox Sports, he became the first player since Mario Lemieux to have three-point periods in three consecutive games.

With all this said, Oilers fans will be eager to see if McDavid can continue at his recent pace during the six games on the road. If he can, it should contribute significantly to the outcome of our fifth and final question.