Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid continues to climb the ranks of 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 scoring leader is Wayne Gretzky, who has a staggering 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 on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
McDavid has spent his entire 10-year career with the Oilers and will likely have to spend the next five or six years with the team and continue to produce the way he needs to over Gretzky.
After two first-period power play goals by the Wild, McDavid collected the puck at center ice after a turnover and began a passing play that allowed Zach Hyman to score and cut the Wild’s lead to 2-1. Almost immediately after Hyman scored, the Oilers went on a power play and McDavid scored on a nifty pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, tying the game at 2-2 to end the first period.
Wild forward Ryan Hartman put Minnesota back up 3-2 early in the second period after a quick goal off a faceoff. The Oilers responded once again, as Nugent-Hopkins deflected defender 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 defender’s skate and into the net just 1:28 into the period for a 4-3 lead in Edmonton.
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Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, #97, controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. (Nick Wosika-Imagn Images)
Then McDavid, as he usually does, worked some magic.
On a 2-on-1 entry into the offensive zone, McDavid nimbly handled the kick around the sliding defender, then took a sharp-angled shot from close range and covered it. McDavid’s second goal not only sealed the game, giving the Oilers a 5-3 lead, but was also the point that moved him into second all-time in Oilers franchise history.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke after the game about McDavid’s success.
“It’s a truly remarkable achievement. For him to climb the scoring charts as quickly as he did, and within an organization that has had so many important players. I’ve seen so much remarkable things from him. He’s a great player and a great teammate. “I said I wouldn’t be surprised anymore just because he surprises you so often over these years, but he’s a nice one. achievement for him and the guys are very proud of him,” said Knoblauch.
The Oilers have now won seven of their last eight games thanks to their comeback against the Wild, and McDavid’s sensational play is a big reason why.
Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, number 97, cuts to the net before scoring his second goal of the night against the Minnesota Wild during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. (Nick Wosika-Imagn Images)
The star center has 19 goals and 43 assists in 41 games played this season and continues 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 matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on the road Thursday, at 9:30 p.m. ET.
