It wasn't that long ago that the Edmonton Oilers were on a five-game losing streak, which was their longest such run since the 2021-22 season. Since then however, they've been able to get back on track for the most part by winning six of their past nine games, including Tuesday night's 7-1 thrashing of Utah on home ice.
The seven goals scored equalled a season-high, while the margin of victory was the widest so far in 2024-25. And right at the heart of it was one Connor McDavid, who produced two assists and a blink-and-you'll-miss-it goal, although interestingly he wasn't named one of the Three Stars of the Game. (Not that this even remotely matters in the grand scheme of things.)
In any event, Tuesday night was still a special evening for McDavid, as he achieved something no one else has ever done before in the history of the NHL. As per the NHL public relations department on social media, he is now the first ever player to post three points in a game versus 32 different NHL franchises.
Connor McDavid leads a list of generational NHL talent
To really drive home what an excellent achievement this is by the three-time Hart Trophy winner, consider the list of players who he was previously tied with on 31 NHL franchises. It reads like a who's who of greatness, and includes Alex Ovechkin, Nathan MacKinnon, Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov. (Incidentally, teammate Leon Draisaitl is currently on 30 teams, along with Evgeni Malkin.)
Now yes, people will have differing opinions on the significance of such an accomplishment, but it still doesn't change the fact McDavid is the first player to achieve such a feat. In as season where he hasn't quite lived up to his usual standard -- which is at a ridiculous level as it is -- it serves as a reminder to other teams that he is still a massive threat come playoff time.
Along these lines, it was important for the Oilers to get back on track after their recent horrendous run of form, which included a stretch of just six wins in 16 games. There's still plenty to do with just 14 regular season games remaining, but at least they now have a realistic shot a the Pacific Division title and potentially the second seed in the entire Western Conference.
Of course all that matters is getting to the playoffs full stop, especially when you have a talent such as McDavid on your team (along with Draisaitl). And if Tuesday night is any indication, the five-time Art Ross Trophy winner is getting back on track, which should strike fear to opposing teams all around the NHL.
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