Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid continues to climb the ranks in Oilers history.
McDavid had two goals and an assist in the Oilers’ 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, passing Jarri Kurri for second all-time in points in Edmonton history with 1,044 points.
The Oilers’ all-time points leader is Wayne Gretzky, who put up an astounding 1,669 points in nine seasons with the team.
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Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, #97, scores a goal past Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
McDavid has spent his entire 10-year career with the Oilers and will likely need to spend the next five or six years with the team and continue to produce the way he needs to pass Gretzky.
After two first-period power-play goals by the Wild, McDavid collected the puck at center ice after a turnover and started a passing play that led to Zach Hyman scoring to cut the Wild lead to 2-1. Almost immediately after Hyman scored, the Oilers went on the power play and McDavid scored on a smart pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to tie the game at 2-2 to end the first period.
Wild forward Ryan Hartman put Minnesota back on top 3-2 early in the second period after a quick goal off a face-off. The Oilers answered once again when Nugent-Hopkins tipped in defenseman Ty Emberson’s shot to tie the game 3-3.
The Oilers took the lead in the third period when Vasily Podkolzin’s pass deflected off a Wild defense skate and into the net just 1:28 into the period to put Edmonton up 4-3.
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild in the third period at Xcel Energy Center. (Nick Wosika-Imagn photos)
Then, as he usually does, McDavid made some magic happen.
On a 2-on-1 entry into the offensive zone, McDavid deftly handled the kick around the sliding defender, then fired a sharp angled shot from a tight angle and laid it up. McDavid’s second goal not only sealed the game and put the Oilers up 5-3, but was the point that tied him for second all-time in Oilers franchise history.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke after the game about McDavid’s performance.
“Pretty remarkable feat. For him to go up the scoring charts as quickly as he has and within an organization that has had so many significant players. I’ve seen so many remarkable things from him. He’s a great player and great teammate. I said I wouldn’t be surprised anymore just because he surprises you so often these years, but it’s a nice accomplishment for him and the guys are very proud of him,” Knoblauch said.
The Oilers have now won seven of their last eight games with their comeback win over the Wild, and McDavid’s sensational play is a big reason why.
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, cuts to the net before scoring his second goal of the night against the Minnesota Wild in the third period at the Xcel Energy Center. (Nick Wosika-Imagn photos)
The star center has 19 goals and 43 assists in 41 games played this season and has continued to be a driving force behind the Oilers’ success.
The Oilers are 28-13-3, second in the Pacific Division and in a playoff spot.
Their next game is a heavyweight tilt against the Colorado Avalanche on the road on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
