Connor McDavid downplays his NHL record with the Oilers to send a message to a key teammate after win vs Stars

The Edmonton Oilers tied the 2025 NHL Western Conference Final series by defeating the Dallas Stars 3–0 in Game 2 at the American Airlines Center. Goaltender Stuart Skinner was instrumental, recording his third shutout of these playoffs in an outstanding performance that earned praise from captain Connor McDavid.

Skinner made 25 saves, including a standout stick save in the third period. At such a pivotal stage, his contribution is vital to Edmonton’s hopes of reaching the Stanley Cup Final. On offense, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins registered two points with a goal and an assist, while Brett Kulak and Connor Brown also scored.

McDavid added an assist in Game 2 against the Stars, reaching 20 points in these playoffs and achieving a historic milestone by becoming just the fourth player in NHL history to record at least 20 points in four consecutive postseasons. Even in such a moment, the Oilers captain chose to praise his goaltender.

McDavid’s message for Skinner

“As players you don’t have enough appreciation for how a goalie battles. You trust he’s going to do his job back there and battle and try to see the puck and make every save he can and he did that tonight. He made every save. That’s a good night for a goalie. Forwards are coming back really hard, everyone is selling out blocking shots. It’s that time of year, that’s what it takes. It’s fun to watch,” McDavid said, according to NHL.com.

Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts to allowing a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Which players share this milestone with McDavid?

McDavid’s achievement, becoming the fourth player in league history to record 20 or more points in four consecutive postseasons, places him alongside three other stars who previously reached this milestone: Sergei Fedorov, Bryan Trottier, and Mike Bossy.

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NHL News: Oilers captain Connor McDavid breaks silence, tries to explain stunning loss to Stars

Last season, the Oilers reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, with McDavid playing in all 25 games and recording a league-record 34 assists, along with eight goals (42 total points). In these playoffs, the Oilers forward reached the 20-point mark in just 13 games, one game later than in 2023. In 2022, when the streak began, he tallied 33 points (10 goals and 23 assists) in only 16 appearances.