The Edmonton Oilers continue their march into the annals of NHL history, now boasting a remarkable 16-game winning spree. The remarkable consistency demonstrated by the Oilers places the team on the cusp of equalling the league record for the longest winning streak, with the Pittsburgh Penguins' 17-game run in 1992-93 within sight.
During their latest triumph, represented by a commanding victory over the Nashville Predators, Edmonton excelled once again with a 4-1 scoreline. This game showcased the tremendous skill of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as each of them recorded a goal and two assists, sustaining their dominant presence on the ice.
Dynamic Duo Continues to Shine
Not solely reliant on their top performers, the Edmonton Oilers saw Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman also adding their names to the score sheet, further reflecting the depth and potency of the team's offensive arsenal.
Stuart Skinner, the Oilers' goaltender, shone brightly as well, racking up 28 saves for the night. His formidable performance in goal extends his personal winning streak to 12 games, setting a new franchise record for consecutive wins by a goaltender, a testament to his crucial role in the team's current success.
Edmonton's prowess this season isn’t limited to scoring; the team has earned the distinction of conceding the fewest goals across the NHL, underpinning their status as a formidable unit at both ends of the rink.
Predators Encounter Difficulties
Unfortunately for the Nashville Predators, the loss against the Oilers adds to a recent dip in form, marking their third defeat in the last four outings. Despite their efforts, they fell short against an Oilers team that took control early on. Edmonton initiated the scoring proceedings midway through the first period, capitalizing on a power play to establish a lead they would only build upon as the game progressed.
Record-Breaking Performances
Within an already notable game, Draisaitl achieved a personal milestone by securing his 800th career point. In doing so, he becomes the fourth-fastest player in league history to reach such a lofty number, a testament to his elite skills and consistency. McDavid and Draisaitl's combined stats for the season speak volumes, amassing a total of 28 goals and 76 assists—a staggering contribution to the Oilers' offensive might.
The pair of Draisaitl and McDavid have not only showcased their prowess this season but have also been recognized league-wide for their excellence in previous years. Draisaitl claimed the prestigious Hart Memorial Trophy in 2020, while McDavid boasts the honor in three different seasons: 2017, 2021, and 2023.
Edmonton now, impressively, ties with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second-longest winning streak in NHL history.
All Eyes on Upcoming Games
The anticipation builds as the Oilers now turn their eyes to their next challenge: a matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights scheduled for February 6th. This presents Edmonton with the opportunity to tie the long-standing record.
The foundation of the Oilers' incredible run began on December 21st with a win over the New York Islanders. Since then, they have powered through the competition, etching a streak encompassing a 15-0-1 record. Looking at a broader perspective, the Oilers have put up an exceptional 24-3-0 record in their last 27 games, clearly signalling their title intentions.
The team’s defensive record is just as impressive with an unprecedented 14 consecutive games conceding no more than two goals each—a remarkable achievement that underscores their balanced strength.
Oilers Remain Humble and Focused
Despite their rousing success, the players are taking a measured approach to their achievements. McDavid highlighted the importance of their wins, stating, "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."
Draisaitl echoed his teammate’s sentiments, acknowledging the role that excellent performances play in ensuring victories. "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 remarked.
NHL enthusiasts and sports pundits alike will be watching with keen interest as the Edmonton Oilers strive to continue their outstanding run, potentially carving their way into hockey history.