Oilers on the Brink of History
The air in Edmonton is charged with anticipation as the Oilers speed down the ice towards history. The team has enjoyed an electrifying run of 16 consecutive victories, placing them just one game shy of equalling the NHL record for the longest single-season winning streak. Edmonton's hockey heroes have the opportunity to match the milestone set by the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins – an impressive 17-game surge that has remained unrivaled for decades.
Fuel is added to the Oilers' fiery streak as superstar players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to score and assist with precision and skill. Their spectacular performance against the Nashville Predators saw both athletes collecting a goal and two assists each, propelling the team to a convincing 4-1 victory. As the Oilers inch closer to history, the dynamic duo's on-ice chemistry and scoring prowess play a crucial role in their success.
Contributions Across the Board
While McDavid and Draisaitl are undoubtedly the headliners, the depth of the Oilers' roster cannot be understated. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman found the back of the net in the recent clash with the Predators, highlighting the balanced attack that has baffled opponents throughout the streak.
The man guarding the Edmonton net, Stuart Skinner, has been a brick wall with a remarkable streak of his own. Making 28 saves to help secure the win over Nashville, Skinner set a franchise record with 12 straight wins. His stalwart performances in goal have been instrumental in the Oilers conceding the fewest goals in the league this season.
A Moment of Milestone
Another memorable moment was etched in the NHL books when Draisaitl garnered his 800th career point. Achieving this impressive milestone in such a short time span, he has become the fourth-fastest player in league history to do so. His journey, marked by the coveted Hart Memorial Trophy in 2020, mirrors the relentless pursuit of excellence that the Oilers have demonstrated all season.
Together, McDavid and Draisaitl have fused their talents to produce staggering statistics—a combined total of 28 goals and 76 assists so far. McDavid, a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy recipient, including in the current 2023 season, is the driving force alongside Draisaitl that makes the Oilers not just a team to watch, but one to be feared by opponents.
Comparing Streaks
As it stands, the Oilers sit side by side with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the annals of NHL history for the second-longest winning streak. Edmonton's challenge now is to eclipse the Blue Jackets’ achievement by continuing their dominance on the ice. A noteworthy comparison lies ahead as the Edmonton Oilers set their sights on the Vegas Golden Knights on February 6th, a game that could tie them with the revered '92-'93 Penguins.
The commencement of this awe-inspiring streak can be traced back to December 21st, when Edmonton triumphed over the New York Islanders. Since then, the Oilers have put together an astounding record of 15-0-1 during the streak and an impressive 24-3-0 over their past 27 games.
Anchoring this record-breaking endeavour is Edmonton's newly-established franchise record of 14 consecutive games limiting opponents to two or fewer goals—a testament to their formidable defense and goaltending that has been under the radar due to the flash of their offensive exploits.
The Journey as Told by the Stars
When asked about the recent performances, McDavid highlighted not only the team's resilience but also the brilliance in net and defensive strengths. "This past week wasn’t our best hockey, and we found a way to get three wins, which is a great sign. We’ve gotten great goaltending, the back end has been good, the kill has been amazing, those are all good things," said the captain, reflecting on the hard-fought nature of hockey and the impressive streak.
Equally, Draisaitl has been vocal about the combination of collective effort and individual brilliance that has driven the team's success. "It takes a lot of good efforts and a lot of good games to get to that number. We have been a bit sloppy the last three games but have obviously had some individual performances that have gotten us the wins. You need that sometimes too. It’s been a great stretch for us," he acknowledged.
As the Oilers approach this critical junction, the entire sporting community watches with bated breath. Can the Edmonton Oilers skate into the annals of hockey history, or will they fall just short? One thing is clear: February 6th is a date many have circled on their calendars, awaiting the outcome with eager anticipation.