The Edmonton Oilers are carving their name deep into the annals of National Hockey League history with an astonishing 16 consecutive victories. With their sights set squarely on the NHL record, they stand just one win shy of matching the longest winning streak, a testament to their dominance on ice this season.
Amidst their seemingly unstoppable ascent, superstar forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to break expectations and records alike. In their latest feat, a convincing 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, the dynamic duo not only added to their own impressive points tally but also ensured their team inched closer to an exceptional milestone.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman lent their prowess by firing in crucial goals, further strengthening the Oilers' march towards hockey glory. Meanwhile, between the pipes, goaltender Stuart Skinner was the epitome of reliability, stopping 28 shots to secure a franchise record for 12 consecutive wins, solidifying the Oilers' status as the team allowing the fewest goals in the league.
Unfortunately, the same good fortune has eluded the Predators, with the loss against the Oilers marking their third in the last four outings, indicative of the challenges they're facing to stay afloat in the competitive waters of the NHL.
A Power Play to Remember
It was during a power play midway through the first period that the Oilers drew first blood, a strategic advantage they would not relinquish. It was also a game of personal triumphs, as Leon Draisaitl etched his name in the history books by clinching his 800th career point, becoming the fourth-fastest player in NHL history to do so — a staggering achievement that reflects the formidability of this Oilers roster.
Together, McDavid and Draisaitl have been a force to be reckoned with, amassing 28 goals and 76 assists over the season. Their individual accolades are no less impressive; with Draisaitl having clinched the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2020 and McDavid securing the prestigious award thrice in 2017, 2021, and 2023.
Chasing History
The record for the longest winning streak is etched in the history books at 17 games, set by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1992-93 season — a record that now seems within the Oilers' grasp. As they now edge nearer, sharing the second-longest winning streak mantle with the Columbus Jackets, the Oilers look ahead to their next challenge on the horizon, a clash with the Vegas Golden Knights on February 6th.
Remarkably, the Oilers' streak began on December 21st, with a hard-fought victory against the New York Islanders. Since then, they have gone 15-0-1, asserting their dominance in the league with a remarkably consistent performance. In their last 27 games, the Oilers boast a near-flawless record of 24-3-0 — a stretch that's contributed to a franchise-record of 14 games in which they've held opponents to two or fewer goals.
Team Reflections
Despite the excitement and the string of wins, the team remains mindful of the areas requiring attention. In the words of Connor McDavid, "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." This statement highlights both the team’s resilience and the high standards they hold themselves to, even amidst a triumphal winning streak.
Draisaitl, echoes a similar sentiment, "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." These comments reflect the understanding that every win counts, whether they come from collective team effort or the heroic acts of individuals.
As the Oilers continue their pursuit of hockey excellence, their determination and skill ensure that each game is not just another step towards a record but a statement of their prowess, team spirit, and an unyielding desire to etch their names into the annals of hockey history. With a tantalizingly close record within reach, all eyes will undoubtedly be on their next game, where they have the chance to tie a legendary NHL record.