Quick Read
- Connor McDavid recorded five assists, his second career five-assist game, in the Oilers’ 5-1 win over the Flames.
- Leon Draisaitl scored a hat trick, surpassing Glenn Anderson for third-most goals in Oilers history.
- Edmonton’s power play was dominant, converting three times and maintaining the NHL’s top rate.
McDavid’s Five-Assist Masterclass: Oilers Dominate the Flames
On a frosty December night in Edmonton, Connor McDavid reminded the hockey world why he’s among its brightest stars. With five dazzling assists, McDavid orchestrated the Edmonton Oilers’ 5-1 triumph over the Calgary Flames, not just steering his team to victory but carving his name deeper into franchise lore. Supported by Leon Draisaitl’s electrifying hat trick, the Oilers powered through a Flames squad that simply couldn’t keep pace—especially on special teams.
As Reuters, ESPN, and the NHL reported, McDavid’s five-assist performance marked his second career game of that kind, tying him with legends Leon Draisaitl and Paul Coffey for the second-most in Oilers history. Only Wayne Gretzky, with an astonishing 12 such games, stands above him. “This is as good as it’s been,” McDavid said postgame, reflecting on both his form and the team’s surge. And it’s hard to argue: McDavid extended his point streak to 11 games, amassing 12 goals and 19 assists along the way—a torrid pace that’s left opponents scrambling for answers.
Draisaitl’s Hat Trick: Records Shattered, Droughts Ended
For Leon Draisaitl, the evening was more than a personal revival. After a rare eight-game goal drought—the longest regular-season stretch without scoring since early 2021—he erupted for three goals, all on the power play. That flurry pushed him past Glenn Anderson for third-most goals in Oilers history, now trailing only Gretzky and Jari Kurri. “Of course, I was never really in a panic mode because I didn’t score in six, seven or however many games it was, but I felt like I had looks,” Draisaitl admitted, his trademark composure evident despite the recent dry spell.
Draisaitl’s connection with McDavid was electric throughout the night. Two of his goals came directly off McDavid’s passes, showcasing the duo’s telepathic chemistry that has become the backbone of Edmonton’s offensive identity. The third, a backdoor finish following a net-front scramble, was the capstone of a night where the Oilers’ top line simply overwhelmed Calgary.
Special Teams and Power Play: Edmonton’s Relentless Edge
If there’s a secret to the Oilers’ recent surge, it’s their lethal power play. Edmonton entered the game with the NHL’s best conversion rate (33.3%), and over their last ten contests, they’d scored on an eye-popping 42.4% of opportunities. Against Calgary, they went 3-for-6 with the man advantage, with Draisaitl netting all three of his goals on the power play.
“They have a really good power play and we took too many penalties as well,” admitted Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau. Calgary’s defenders, including Kevin Bahl, echoed the sentiment: “If we could have shut down their power play, I think we could have given ourselves a good shot in that game.” But stopping McDavid and Draisaitl when they’re in sync has proved nearly impossible for most teams this season.
Team Momentum and Franchise Context: A Night for the Books
Tuesday’s victory wasn’t just another tick in the win column. The Oilers improved to 8-2-1 in their last 11 meetings with the Flames and now boast a 16-1-3 record when scoring first this season. In their new alternate jerseys, they’re unbeaten at 4-0, outscoring opponents by a 26-10 margin—a quirky stat, but one that speaks to the team’s confidence and energy.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman also found the net for Edmonton, while goalie Connor Ingram made 18 saves, quietly anchoring the back end. For the Flames, MacKenzie Weegar tallied their lone goal, and Dustin Wolf’s 34 saves kept the score from ballooning even further.
After the game, Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch underscored the impact of his stars: “You look at the way the team’s rolling right now and winning a lot more games, it starts with those two, and they’re playing extremely well.” Zach Hyman echoed the sentiment: “Obviously, they are two of the best players in the world. They drive our team. When they are playing like that it makes it easier for the rest of us.”
The Bigger Picture: McDavid’s Historic Pace and Oilers’ Aspirations
With his 45th career game of at least four points, McDavid tied Jari Kurri for second in franchise history—another mark of his extraordinary consistency and impact. Draisaitl, meanwhile, now has points in 10 of his last 11 games, with five goals and 19 assists. Their combined output has powered the Oilers into the holiday break with momentum and optimism that the team hasn’t felt in years.
But with every milestone, the question deepens: How far can McDavid and Draisaitl carry this team? The Oilers’ power play looks nearly unstoppable, and their leaders are playing with a mix of hunger and joy that’s contagious. For now, Edmonton fans can savor a night when records fell, history was made, and the promise of spring hockey feels a little closer than before.
Connor McDavid’s performance isn’t just a statistical marvel—it’s a signal that the Oilers, with their stars in full flight, are capable of shifting the balance of power in the NHL. As the season rolls on, their chemistry and ability to dominate on special teams will be the story to watch for any contender hoping to keep pace.