Edmonton Oilers Inch Closer to NHL Record
The Edmonton Oilers' season has reached historical feats as the team has strung together an impressive 16-game winning streak. Now positioned just one victory shy of matching the National Hockey League's (NHL) all-time record, the Oilers' recent triumph against the Nashville Predators has not only sustained their phenomenal run but also lit up the prospect of etching their name alongside a legendary milestone.
Dynamic Duo Leads the Charge
In the latest matchup against the Predators, which culminated in a convincing 4-1 victory for the Oilers, superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were once again at the forefront of the action. Both players contributed significantly, registering one goal and two assists each. Their consistent performances throughout the season have been a backbone to the Oilers' success, with the dynamic pair amassing a total of 28 goals and 76 assists combined. Draisaitl not only added to his points tally but also reached a personal milestone by recording his 800th career point, now marked as the fourth-fastest player to do so in NHL history.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman also made valuable contributions by finding the back of the net, ensuring the Oilers kept their dominant competitive edge throughout the game. However, it wasn't just the offense that shined – Stuart Skinner stood tall between the pipes, making 28 saves to secure a franchise record for himself with 12 straight wins.
Stifling Defense & Skinner's Standout Performance
The Oilers' stalwart defense has notably surrendered the fewest goals in the league this season. This impressive defensive record was no different in their latest game, where they effectively stymied the Predators' attempts to breach their net. Stuart Skinner's role as the guardian of the goal has been paramount during this stretch, as he has consistently thwarted the opposition and provided his team the confidence to play their natural, offensive game.
Even as the Predators have found themselves in a rut, losing three of their last four games, the Oilers have powered through the middle of the competition. This includes kickstarting the offensive spree midway through the first period with a crucial goal on a power play against Nashville.
The Path to the Record
Mention of the Columbus Blue Jackets is in order, as the Oilers now share the second-longest winning streak with them – both sides trailing the 17-game record set by the Pittsburgh Penguins during their 1992-93 campaign. With their eyes set on the prize, the Oilers will face their next challenge against the Vegas Golden Knights on February 6th. Will this be the matchup that propels them into the history books?
The foundation of this historic run was laid back on December 21st when the Oilers secured a win over the New York Islanders. Since then, the team has carved out an enviable record of 15-0-1. Over the last 27 games, their record stands prominently at 24-3-0, bolstered by a franchise-record streak of 14 games in which they have limited their opponents to two goals or fewer.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Run
Connor McDavid, showing the leadership expected of the team's captain, reflected on the team's performances, saying, "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." His sentiment underscores the Oilers' resilience and ability to grind out wins even when not at their best – a hallmark of champions.
The sentiments were echoed by Draisaitl, who recognized the collective effort required for such an achievement. "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 noted.
Conclusion
As the Oilers seek to make history by tying the NHL record for the longest winning streak, the anticipation and excitement continue to build. Both inside and outside of Edmonton, fans and enthusiasts await with bated breath to see if this team can capture the elusive 17th consecutive win. Regardless of the outcome, the 2021-22 season will be remembered for the Oilers' remarkable brush with NHL history and the outstanding performances of its star players and resilient team effort.