Edmonton Oilers star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> may need some time off the ice following his extensive participation in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/winter-olympics">2026 Winter Olympics</a> with Canada. The team is monitoring his workload carefully, recognizing the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level internationally before returning to the grind of the NHL schedule.



Coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the situation and the challenges of immediately reintegrating McDavid into the lineup. “Yeah, I guess it all depends on numerous things. When he’s ready to play, we’ll obviously have to have some conversations with him. Playing in the back-to-back would be difficult. For him to play 23 or 24 minutes in back-to-back games after the Olympics and traveling from Europe, I don’t think that’s putting him in a very good position to help us.”



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a> are balancing the need to win games early in the restart of the NHL season with protecting their franchise player. While McDavid’s potential absence raises short-term concerns, the long-term benefit of allowing him to recover properly could be pivotal for Edmonton’s playoff push.



<h2>When will Connor McDavid play for Oilers after 2026 Olympics?</h2>



Connor McDavid is expected to be available for the Edmonton Oilers when the NHL resumes after the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, his minutes on the ice may be managed carefully to account for the heavy workload from the international tournament.


 

 


Given the Oilers begin their schedule with back-to-back games against Anaheim and the Kings, McDavid’s ice time could be limited initially. This approach ensures he can transition smoothly back into the NHL pace while avoiding fatigue or risk of injury after a long Olympic campaign in Europe.



While McDavid’s presence will be critical for Edmonton’s offensive output, fans should expect a gradual reintegration. The team’s focus will be on keeping him fresh and effective, allowing him to regain full strength and be a key contributor for the remainder of the regular season and the playoff push.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/radko-gudas-sends-clear-message-to-sidney-crosby-after-injury-in-team-canada-win-vs-czechia-in-2026-winter-olympics-hockey"></div>


<h2>Oilers schedule after 2026 Olympics</h2>



After the back-to-back games facing Anaheim and the Kings, the Edmonton Oilers will play on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks and then not again until the following Tuesday with the Ottawa Senators. After that, they face the Hurricanes on Friday, March 6. This schedule gives the team more flexibility to rest Connor McDavid next week and that will affect his presence when the NHL resumes.

Connor McDavid could miss time with Oilers as NHL resumes after 2026 Olympics

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Connor McDavid could miss time with Oilers as NHL resumes after 2026 Olympics - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The spotlight on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> has followed him from the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he starred for Canada men’s national ice hockey team, to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a>’ schedule. 



Questions started to swirl about his availability for tonight’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. After not being listed in the lineup sheets or seen in full practice since returning from international duty, there was uncertainty around whether the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s reigning MVP would take the ice tonight.



Their early California swing takes on extra narrative weight with the hunt for crucial points underway. His status could quietly shape how the Oilers approach what promises to be a tightly contested Pacific Division showdown.



<h2>Is Connor McDavid playing tonight for the Oilers?</h2>



As the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anaheim-ducks">Anaheim Ducks</a> after the 2026 Winter Olympics break, Connor McDavid revealed he’s ready to suit up tonight. “Yup,” he answered when asked by Bob Stauffer whether he was good to go against the Ducks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/25110730/Connor-McDavid-1-4-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-586493"></figure><figcaption>Connor McDavid of the Oilers celebrates a first-period goal in 2026 (Source: Leila Devlin/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



McDavid, who captained <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/canada">Canada</a> men’s national ice hockey team to the Olympic final and was among the tournament’s most productive players, was absent from the Oilers’ practice in Anaheim on Tuesday.



Head coach Kris Knoblauch has described the captain’s post-Olympic return as a slight delay rather than a full absence, easing concerns on his status. The coach is ultimately counting on the captain as the NHL season resumes.

Is Connor McDavid playing tonight for Oilers vs Ducks after 2026 Winter Olympics with Canada?

Is Connor McDavid playing tonight for Oilers vs Ducks after 2026 Winter Olympics with Canada? - Bolavip US

Consecutive wins have always been a key indicator of dominance in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> history. Sustained streaks separate short-term success from true control, especially in a league defined by parity, travel demands and physical play.



Across different eras, only a small group of teams managed to extend winning runs deep into the regular season. These streaks were shaped by roster balance, consistent goaltending, and stretches of the schedule that tested depth.



The longest winning streaks remain part of the NHL record book, marking moments when teams combined timing, structure, and performance to produce runs that still stand among the league’s most notable achievements.



<h2>Pittsburgh Penguins and their unmatched 17-game win streak</h2>



The most consecutive wins in NHL history belong to the 1992–93 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>, who recorded 17 straight regular-season victories from March 9 to April 10, 1993. That run remains the league’s longest winning streak on record and stands as a benchmark for team consistency and performance over a condensed stretch of play.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260105_BUS_556814_Ulf-Samuelsson_4a5d30ec.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-556824"></figure><figcaption>Ulf Samuelsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992 (Source: Rick Stewart /Allsport)</figcaption></figure>



Led by future Hall of Famers like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and Ron Francis, the Penguins dominated opponents during this span, combining elite scoring with tight defensive play. 



The run not only set a league-wide record but also reflected the era’s high-octane style of hockey, with Pittsburgh finishing the season with 56 wins and 119 points. Despite the record’s longevity, it still casts a long shadow over subsequent attempts. 



Across decades, no other franchise has surpassed the Penguins’ 17-game mark, underscoring how difficult sustained regular-season dominance can be even for elite teams.



<h2>Close contenders: Teams that came within one win of NHL history</h2>



Several clubs have approached Pittsburgh’s mark without surpassing it. Notably, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> posted a 16-game winning streak during the 2016–17 season, showcasing one of the most explosive regular-season runs in recent memory. That streak propelled them into playoff contention and highlighted the growth of a franchise that had struggled in its early years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260105_BUS_556814_Oilers_aa036dab.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-556820"></figure><figcaption>Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers in 2023 (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> also recorded a 16-game run in 2023–24, tying Columbus’s total and reflecting a powerful offensive era built around superstars like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a>. This performance marked the Oilers’ best winning stretch in modern history and one of the closest attempts to break the all-time record.



Beyond the top two, a handful of teams have registered remarkable streaks that still stand among the longest in league history. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a> of 1981–82 and the Penguins again in 2012–13 each posted 15-game winning streaks, extending their place near the top of the all-time list.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> appear multiple times among the longest streaks, with a 14-game run during the early 20th century, demonstrating that deep runs aren’t limited to one era. 



Similarly, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a> and others have recorded streaks of 14 games or more, proving that while Pittsburgh’s mark remains exceptional, wide stretches of dominance have surfaced across generations.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Team</td><td>Streak</td><td>Season</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>17</td><td>1992-93</td></tr><tr><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>16</td><td>2023-24</td></tr><tr><td>Columbus Blue Jackets</td><td>16</td><td>2016-17</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>15</td><td>2012-13</td></tr><tr><td>New York Islanders</td><td>15</td><td>1981-82</td></tr><tr><td>Washington Capitals</td><td>14</td><td>2009-10</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>14</td><td>1929-30</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Devils</td><td>13</td><td>2022-23</td></tr><tr><td>Florida Panthers</td><td>13</td><td>2021-22</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Devils</td><td>13</td><td>2000-01</td></tr><tr><td>Philadelphia Flyers</td><td>13</td><td>1985-86</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>13</td><td>1970-71</td></tr><tr><td>St. Louis Blues</td><td>12</td><td>2024-25</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota Wild</td><td>12</td><td>2016-17</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Blackhawks</td><td>12</td><td>2015-16</td></tr><tr><td>Florida Panthers</td><td>12</td><td>2015-16</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>12</td><td>2013-14</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>12</td><td>2010-11</td></tr><tr><td>Colorado Avalanche</td><td>12</td><td>1998-99</td></tr><tr><td>Montreal Canadiens</td><td>12</td><td>1967-68</td></tr><tr><td>Winnipeg Jets</td><td>11</td><td>2024-25</td></tr><tr><td>Carolina Hurricanes</td><td>11</td><td>2022-23</td></tr><tr><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>11</td><td>2019-20</td></tr><tr><td>St. Louis Blues</td><td>11</td><td>2018-19</td></tr><tr><td>Anaheim Ducks</td><td>11</td><td>2015-16</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records)</figcaption></figure>

Most consecutive wins in NHL: Which teams have the longest winning streaks in history?

Most consecutive wins in NHL: Which teams have the longest winning streaks in history? - Bolavip US

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> seasons stop feeling normal by midwinter. One player keeps showing up on the scoresheet, night after night, turning points into routine and making the pace of production impossible to ignore.



The league has seen eras of wide-open ice and tighter systems, yet a few campaigns broke through context. These weren’t just hot streaks, but sustained runs that bent expectations over months.



Those record-setting point totals still anchor conversations about offense. They mark moments when talent, opportunity and timing aligned to produce seasons that refused to slow down.



<h2>Who is the player with the most points in a single season?</h2>



Way back in the mid-1980s, the NHL wasn’t just a league of high scoring, it was a stage for the most astonishing individual offensive output in the sport’s history. In the 1985–86 season, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> etched his name into the record books by piling up an unprecedented 215 points across the regular campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251215_BUS_545927_Wayne-Gretzky-1-1_e2e0bd6e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-545934"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky (Source: Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



His feat came as part of a string of dominant years for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a>. That singular season saw him combine 52 goals with 163 assists, setting a benchmark that has proven nearly untouchable for decades. His ability to influence the game at both ends of the ice redefined what a “great offensive season” looked like in professional hockey.



Decades later, his 215-point season remains a towering milestone in NHL lore. While modern stars like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> have put up staggering numbers, the gap between those totals and his record illustrates just how singular that historic campaign was.



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>Season</td><td>Points</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1985-86</td><td>215</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1981-82</td><td>212</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1984-85</td><td>208</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1983-84</td><td>205</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1988-89</td><td>199</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1982-83</td><td>196</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1986-87</td><td>183</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>168</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1987-88</td><td>168</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1980-81</td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1990-91</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>161</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>160</td></tr><tr><td>Steve Yzerman</td><td>Detroit Red Wings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>155</td></tr><tr><td>Connor McDavid</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>2022-23</td><td>153</td></tr><tr><td>Phil Esposito</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1970-71</td><td>152</td></tr><tr><td>Bernie Nicholls</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>150</td></tr><tr><td>Jaromir Jagr</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1987-88</td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>Pat LaFontaine</td><td>Buffalo Sabres</td><td>1992-93</td><td>148</td></tr><tr><td>Mike Bossy</td><td>New York Islanders</td><td>1981-82</td><td>147</td></tr><tr><td>Phil Esposito</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1973-74</td><td>145</td></tr><tr><td>Nikita Kucherov</td><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>2023-24</td><td>144</td></tr><tr><td>Adam Oates</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>142</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1989-90</td><td>142</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: Statmuse)</figcaption></figure>

NHL players with the most points in a single season: Record runs and historic campaigns

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NHL players with the most points in a single season: Record runs and historic campaigns - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> made a bold move on Friday, acquiring goaltender Stuart Skinner from the Edmonton Oilers in a high-profile trade that sent Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. Penguins head coach Dan Muse wasted no time in praising Skinner, emphasizing the veteran’s deep playoff experience and its impact on a team vying for postseason success.



The swap also included defenseman Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick heading to Pittsburgh, while the Oilers gain Jarry and forward Sam Poulin. For the Penguins, the focus is clear: Skinner is expected to compete for the starting role alongside offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs.



Muse, in his first year behind the Penguins bench, highlighted the intangible value Skinner brings. “You can’t put a price on that type of experience. Two years in a row, too. It’s a lot of it. So, yeah, excited for him and the opportunity here,” Muse said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-intrigued-by-stuart-skinner-postseason-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>, underscoring the rarity of having multiple players with Stanley Cup Final experience in the locker room.



<h2>How will Skinner fit into Pittsburgh’s goaltending rotation?</h2>



With Skinner joining the team, Pittsburgh has completely revamped its crease in a matter of months. After trading Alex Nedeljkovic in the offseason and acquiring Silovs from Vancouver, Skinner now adds proven postseason experience to a young core. “To have been there and to have been through it and to be through that kind of a grind and to be able to learn from it…you don’t have that in every single locker room,” Muse added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251213_BUS_544758_muse_498d7359.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544790"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;Head coach Dan Muse of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on in the third period during the game. Justin Berl/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What challenges does Skinner face this season?</h2>



Despite his playoff pedigree, Skinner enters Pittsburgh with questions surrounding consistency, especially after criticism for his 2025 Stanley Cup Final performance against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, leaving future negotiations open amid a rising prospect, Sergei Murashov, pushing for NHL minutes.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-connor-mcdavids-oilers-land-sidney-crosbys-penguins-goalie-in-high-profile-goaltending-shakeup"></div>


As the Penguins prepare for Saturday’s matchup against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">San Jose Sharks</a>, Skinner’s debut will offer early insight into how quickly he adapts and whether the team can leverage his experience into a competitive edge in the postseason.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693d9c5ee2d53b59fb2f056a" data-title="Who will make a bigger impact this season?" data-options="3"></div>

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NHL News: Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Stuart Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers - Bolavip US

Penguins coach Dan Muse delivers candid take on Skinner after blockbuster deal with Oilers

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a>, led by Connor McDavid, have made a decisive move to address their early-season struggles, completing a trade for Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, a teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a>. 



As part of the transaction, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> received goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and Edmonton’s 2029 second-round draft pick in exchange for Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin, according to President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas.



After weeks of scrutiny surrounding Edmonton’s inconsistent goaltending, the organization shifted aggressively, finalizing a high-profile deal aimed at stabilizing the position as playoff pressure grows.



Talks accelerated quickly in recent days, with multiple insiders reporting progress. The Oilers entered the week with one of the lowest team save percentages in the league and a pressing need to support a roster built around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> and Leon Draisaitl. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251212_BUS_544270_harry_c2447053.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544289"></figure></figure>



The move was officially confirmed by the Penguins’ official account on X: “The Penguins have acquired goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and the Edmonton Oilers 2029 second-round draft pick in exchange for goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Sam Poulin.” The acquisition ends a stretch of speculation and signals Edmonton’s intent to strengthen the roster before the playoff race intensifies.



<h2>How the trade impacts Edmonton and Pittsburgh</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/nhl-news-former-auston-matthews-teammate-fires-vivid-shot-at-maple-leafs-ahead-of-reunion"></div>


For Edmonton, acquiring Jarry represents a significant upgrade between the pipes, addressing a key weakness that threatened to derail their season. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, adds promising talent in Skinner and Kulak, plus an extra draft pick, allowing the team to maintain competitiveness while balancing future planning.



<h2>Next steps for the Oilers</h2>



With Jarry in net, the Oilers’ coaching staff will immediately assess how to integrate him alongside the existing roster. The focus will be on improving save percentage, reducing defensive lapses, and supporting the offensive firepower of McDavid and Draisaitl as Edmonton looks to solidify its playoff positioning.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="693c3bb2e2d53b59fb2f0552" data-title="Will the Oilers’ goaltending upgrade be enough to contend for the Stanley Cup?" data-options="4"></div>

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NHL News: Connor McDavid's Oilers land Sidney Crosby's Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup - Bolavip US

McDavid's Oilers land Crosby's Penguins goalie in high-profile goaltending shakeup

Some <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> seasons are remembered not for goals but for the players who made them possible. In those stretches, the ice seemed to widen around certain skaters, their touch turning routine shifts into moments that rewrote how offenses flowed.



There were years when a single playmaker held the tempo of an entire team, threading passes that felt inevitable only after they landed. Those assists reshaped game plans and forced rivals to adjust night after night.



What endures from those runs isn’t just the final tally, but the sense that these players captured something rare: the ability to control chaos with a quiet, constant influence. Their names stand as markers few have been able to match.



<h2>Who had the most assists in one NHL season?</h2>



When discussing the single-season assist record in NHL history, one name looms larger than any other: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a>. In the 1985–86 season, while wearing the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> sweater, he delivered 163 assists in the regular season, a total so far beyond the norm that it still stands decades later as the official record.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251212_BUS_544230_Wayne-Gretzky-1_196e422d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-544257"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers in 2003 (Source: Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



What makes this mark even more remarkable isn’t just the raw number — it’s the context. His 163 helpers weren’t scattered across a fluke run of games; they came in a full 80-game NHL schedule against the era’s elite defenders and goaltenders. 



At a time when the league was transitioning from strictly physical play to more open offense, his vision on the ice redefined what was possible from a playmaker. That season, He didn’t just assist on goals — he directed traffic. 



His presence on the ice was described by contemporaries as orchestral: a center who saw plays develop before they existed, threading passes with surgical precision. His assists are not merely statistics but a lesson in spatial awareness and hockey intellect that remains unrivaled.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Player</td><td>Team</td><td>Season</td><td>Assists</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1985-86</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1984-85</td><td>135</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1982-83</td><td>125</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1990-91</td><td>122</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1986-87</td><td>121</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1981-82</td><td>120</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1983-84</td><td>118</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1988-89</td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1988-89</td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1987-88</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>1980-81</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>Wayne Gretzky</td><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1989-90</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>Bobby Orr</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1970-71</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>Nikita Kucherov</td><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>2023-24</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Connor McDavid</td><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>2023-24</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1987-88</td><td>98</td></tr><tr><td>Adam Oates</td><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1992-93</td><td>97</td></tr><tr><td>Joe Thornton</td><td>TOT</td><td>2005-06</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td>Doug Gilmour</td><td>Toronto Maple Leafs</td><td>1992-93</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>Pat LaFontaine</td><td>Buffalo Sabres</td><td>1992-93</td><td>95</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1985-86</td><td>93</td></tr><tr><td>Peter Stastny</td><td>Quebec Nordiques</td><td>1981-82</td><td>93</td></tr><tr><td>Joe Thornton</td><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>2006-07</td><td>92</td></tr><tr><td>Ron Francis</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>92</td></tr><tr><td>Mario Lemieux</td><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>1995-96</td><td>92</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records and Statmuse)</figcaption></figure>

NHL teams with the most Stanley Cup playoff appearances: From the Canadiens to the Bruins

NHL players with the most assists in a single season: Top record holders - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> overwhelmed the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-kraken">Seattle Kraken</a> 9-4 on Thursday night, improving their record to 12-11-5 and securing 29 points, tying them for the final Western Conference Wild Card spot. With four points out of first place in the Pacific Division, Edmonton’s playoff hopes remain alive, and the team showed offensive firepower on display.



Oilers captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> led the charge, netting the 13th hat trick of his career. His performance was a stark contrast to earlier in the week, when he reflected on a missed opportunity in a narrow 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild. McDavid’s mindset of balancing playmaking with finishing has clearly paid off.



The team’s season got off to a rocky start, with a 6-6-4 record after a heavy loss to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche">Colorado Avalanche</a>. However, Edmonton has found more consistency recently, and Thursday’s win showcased their offensive potential.



<h2>McDavid’s message</h2>



“I thought I passed a couple away the other night and it ultimately cost us, losing a 1-0 game,” McDavid said, according to<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-edmonton-oilers-game-recap-december-4-2025"> NHL.com</a>. “Who knows if I score on one of those. I definitely thought about shooting a little bit more.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">CONNOR MCDAVID HAT TRICK!!! 🎩🎩🎩 <a href="https://t.co/oK4q5awSqK">pic.twitter.com/oK4q5awSqK</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1996795727150751854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



He added, “It feels good to get a couple as a group, and hopefully guys are feeling good about themselves and can build on it. I feel like we’re playing better. It’s nice to score some goals and feel good about ourselves.”


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<h2>What’s next for the Oilers</h2>



Goaltending has been a lingering concern, but Calvin Pickard held strong against Seattle. Edmonton could still pursue a goalie trade, yet the offense’s resurgence has shifted focus to the team’s scoring capabilities.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69334783e2d53b59fb2f0475" data-title="Who will lead the Oilers’ scoring surge through the rest of the season?" data-options="4"></div>


The Oilers continue their homestand with three upcoming games: Saturday night against the Winnipeg Jets, followed by matchups with the Buffalo Sabres and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>. Fans will be watching closely to see if McDavid can maintain his scoring momentum.

NHL News: Connor McDavid sends message on scoring hat trick after Oilers dominate Kraken

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NHL News: Connor McDavid sends message on scoring hat trick after Oilers dominate Kraken - Bolavip US

McDavid sends message on scoring hat trick after Oilers dominate Kraken

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> have shown flashes of brilliance this season, most recently with a 4-0 shutout win over the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-kraken">Seattle Kraken</a> on Saturday. Yet, consistency has eluded the team, and a series of injuries is threatening to stall its momentum.



Among the sidelined players are Jack Roslovic, Kasperi Kapanen, and Jake Walman, all key contributors whose absences are being felt as Edmonton navigates a tough stretch of games. While Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Curtis Lazar have returned, the Oilers still face an uphill battle to maintain their position in the Pacific Division.



Roslovic, in particular, has emerged as one of Edmonton’s steadier offensive forces this season, recording 18 points in 23 games. His injury occurred after stepping in front of a shot against Dallas last week, and though coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed it wasn’t a broken bone, it’s severe enough to keep him out for an extended period.



<h2>What’s the latest on Roslovic and other injured Oilers?</h2>



On The Jason Gregor Show, NHL insider Jason Gregor provided clarity on the timelines: “If you look at the injuries, Roslovic, and Kapanen, I’m gonna say right now, most likely, probably not till after Christmas. There’s a chance one or both could play a game before, but I think if we’re talking realistic, now guy heals quicker than you think, that’s great. More than three weeks which puts him after Christmas break.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251202_BUS_537836_oilers_ec6b5ded.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-537850"></figure><figcaption>Jack Roslovic #28 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench . Joe Hrycych/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



If the timeline holds, Roslovic’s earliest possible return is December 23 against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/calgary-flames">Calgary</a>, though a more realistic target is the December 27 road game, also against the Flames. Kapanen, sidelined since October 19 due to a lower-body injury, remains on long-term injured reserve, limiting the team’s forward depth further.


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<h2>What about Jake Walman?</h2>



Gregor also addressed the status of Jake Walman, who missed three consecutive games after taking two hard shots in a matchup against Tampa Bay. “Jake Walman did skate today, progression, but he did not finish the practice, he left early with the medical staff, so not playing tomorrow, I don’t think he is playing Thursday, I would say Saturday at the earliest,” Gregor said.



Despite these setbacks, there is at least a glimmer of optimism. With Nugent-Hopkins and Curtis Lazar back in the lineup, Edmonton is gaining some stability as it prepares for the upcoming games, including the challenging matchup against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota-wild">Minnesota Wild</a> on Tuesday.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692efa46e2d53b59fb2f03f0" data-title="How concerned should the Oilers be about their injury situation?" data-options="4"></div>


The Oilers will need timely returns from Roslovic, Kapanen, and Walman to regain a foothold in the Pacific Division. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain momentum or if injuries will continue to weigh on its performance as the holiday stretch approaches.

NHL News: Oilers receive limited updates on injuries to Roslovic, Kapanen and Walman ahead of Christmas stretch

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NHL News: Oilers receive limited updates on injuries to Roslovic, Kapanen and Walman ahead of Christmas stretch - Bolavip US

Oilers receive limited updates on injuries to Roslovic, Kapanen and Walman ahead of Christmas stretch

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> and the Edmonton Oilers have no one to blame but themselves. In the midst of a deflating NHL campaign, the captain in Northern Alberta delivered a straightforward reminder about the team’s struggles. Now, another key teammate has doubled down on that message.



Following Edmonton’s disheartening 8-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, McDavid didn’t mince words on his postgame statement. After both goaltenders, Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, struggled in net, captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/connor-mcdavid-exposes-deep-frustration-with-oilers-after-ugly-loss-to-stars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McDavid exposed a deep frustration with the Oilers</a>. 



However, instead of pointing the finger at the goalies—who are an easy target for fans and media in the Gateway to the North and a common scapegoat for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a>—McDavid admitted that the struggles in net have been a consequence of the poor play in front of them. On that note, Leon Draisaitl echoed his captain’s stance with a vivid admission of his own.



“What are [the goaltenders] supposed to do? They’re part of the team, too. I’m sure they would tell you themselves that they can be better at times. We don’t need to let them out of everything at all times. There’s not much they can do, we’re giving up grade-A look after grade-A look. Can’t expect the goalie to stop every single shot. It doesn’t work like that. We just have to be so much better for them,” Draisaitl told reporters after the game, via OilersNation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534452_leon-draisaitl_3fa107b2.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Leon Draisaitl walking down the tunnel" class="wp-image-512515" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption> Leon Draisaitl at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2025 in New York City. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Oilers must address goaltending issue</h2>



Coming into the season, the Oilers tried to downplay just how much of a need they had in net. Only one quarter into the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> campaign, the elephant in the room has grown too big for Edmonton to look the other way. 


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Regardless, McDavid and company know better than to expect an opponent to come forward and hand them what might just be the final piece to the puzzle for the Oilers to hoist their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/edmonton-oilers-last-stanley-cup-win" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first Stanley Cup in 35 years</a>. Edmonton’s front office must pick up the phone and make calls. A starting goaltender won’t just fall right into the Oilers’ lap.



<h2>McDavid and Draisaitl’s comments are what the Oilers need to hear</h2>



Make no mistake, though: McDavid, Draisaitl, and the leaders in the locker room are saying all the right things. They can’t throw their goalies under the bus, as that might as well be waving their season hopes goodbye. Regardless, everybody knows goaltending has been a liability in Edmonton. 



That can only change with the brass making moves. Miracles rarely occur in the NHL, and hoping for Skinner and Pickard to find their footing in Alberta is starting to look more like wishful thinking than rational consideration.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Making it look easy 😤 <a href="https://t.co/kSxSjwOUSZ">pic.twitter.com/kSxSjwOUSZ</a>— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) <a href="https://twitter.com/DallasStars/status/1993509745341452592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Latest rumor in town</h2>



“Tristan Jarry is among the goalies drawing significant interest as a potential option for the Edmonton Oilers,” as reported by insider Kevin Weekes. Though Jarry’s production in the NHL has been awfully inconsistent at times, the two-time Stanley Cup champion might bring some winning experience to the locker room, along with much-needed winds of change.



It’s still early in the season—though fans in Edmonton feel as if the clock is breathing down their necks—and the Oilers will weigh all their options. Coming into this season, it seemed reasonable for them to wait until the trade deadline. However, given the way things have gone lately, staying off the market until March may prove too late for McDavid and company to right the ship.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69279939e2d53b59fb2f035c" data-title="If only one goalie could stay in Edmonton, who should it be?" data-options="2"></div>

NHL News: Edmonton Oilers star doubles down on Connor McDavid’s stern wake-up call to the team

NHL News: Edmonton Oilers star doubles down on Connor McDavid’s stern wake-up call to the team - Bolavip US

Edmonton Oilers star doubles down on Connor McDavid’s stern wake-up call

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> and the Edmonton Oilers are learning old habits die hard in the NHL. With the team stumbling with the same old stone time and again, the captain issued a straightforward message on helping out Stuart Skinner and the goaltending room.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a> lost in embarrassing fashion to the Dallas Stars on home ice. Following the 8–3 defeat, McDavid and Edmonton have now allowed seven or more goals in a game for the third time this season. Needless to say, the Oilers have lost every single time they’ve surrendered that many tallies. Giving up goals in bunches is hardly a recipe for success, and the team in the Gateway to the North is being reminded of that night after night.



In hopes of flipping the script, a loud buzz is building around the Oilers. Many are calling for a big splash in net, as the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard has been anything but reliable. McDavid addressed the hot topic in Edmonton, shifting the focus toward the rest of the lineup rather than the goalie duo.



“I really feel like goaltending is a team thing,” McDavid admitted postgame, via Greg Wyshynski on X. “I don’t care who it is: When the team in front of them isn’t playing up to their standards, [it’s] tough for a goalie to look good. I felt bad for both of them tonight.”



<h2>Tough night for Skinner and Pickard</h2>



Taking on the second-best team in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>—the Dallas Stars—at Rogers Place, Kris Knoblauch gave Skinner the nod in net. However, it was far from a smooth night for the 27-year-old. Skinner didn’t even make it out of the first period, as Dallas buried four unanswered goals in the opening frame. His night was cut short, but Pickard didn’t have much better luck, either.


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Of course, it might be easy to point the finger at the goaltenders after such a lopsided loss, but there’s clearly an elephant in the room. McDavid is staring right at it, and he’s shown no hesitation addressing it publicly. 



<h2>How can the Oilers turn their season around?</h2>



Now it’s up to the Oilers to right the ship amid a chaotic NHL season. In more ways than one, it feels like déjà vu for this team—but just because Edmonton has been in similar waters before doesn’t mean it knows how to escape them this time.



If there’s a silver lining for the Oilers, it’s that the Pacific Division is currently being led by some of the youngest rosters in the league. With Anaheim sitting on top, Edmonton can hope the Ducks’ inexperience eventually shows over the long haul—giving the proven group in Alberta a chance to hit the gas and take over.



It should go without saying, but if the Oilers want to turn the page, they need to give their goaltenders far more help. Skinner and Pickard have to raise their level, too—because sooner or later, even the best teams need the man between the pipes to bail them out.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692737e22d286e1484d5ebdd" data-title="How would you grade Edmonton&apos;s goaltending so far this season?" data-options="5"></div>

Edmonton Oilers put on notice by captain Connor McDavid’s stern message on goaltending

NHL News: Connor McDavid makes something clear to Stuart Skinner, Oilers on goaltending woes - Bolavip US

McDavid makes something clear to Skinner, Oilers on goaltending woes

NHL News: Connor McDavid makes something clear to Stuart Skinner, Oilers on goaltending woes

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> suffered a humbling 8-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, and it was clear this defeat cut deeper than most. After dropping four of their last five games, the frustration was evident on Connor McDavid’s face during his postgame media availability.



When asked about the team’s disastrous first period, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">McDavid</a> could only repeat, “I don’t know. I don’t know. Yeah, I don’t. I don’t have any answers for you here tonight.”



That sense of uncertainty reflects a broader issue. Edmonton’s struggles are no longer isolated mistakes—they are systemic. The Oilers allowed four goals on just eight first-period shots, leaving both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard exposed behind a collapsing defensive system.



<h2>Structural issues behind Edmonton’s struggles</h2>



Pressed on the team’s defensive lapses, McDavid highlighted a problem that begins far from the crease. “I think it stems from the whole thing,” he said. “You know, we’re not good enough with the puck. It’s leading to sustained time in our D zone. Yeah, it’s the whole thing. We’re not getting up the ice, not forechecking pucks back. We’re playing too much in the D zone. There aren’t many defensive systems that hold up after 30 or 40 seconds in your D zone. It’s tough to defend.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">"I don’t have any answers." Connor McDavid on the Oilers’ 8-3 loss to the Stars. <a href="https://t.co/LEUnFftCtZ">pic.twitter.com/LEUnFftCtZ</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1993548700799627268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



McDavid’s visible frustration stems partly from the investment he has made in this organization. Despite being the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s most dynamic offensive player and producing over a point-per-game with 34 points in 25 outings, he continues to shoulder a tremendous load.


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Even more telling, McDavid recently agreed to a two-year, $25 million extension starting in 2026–27, maintaining the same annual salary as his previous deal. His decision prioritized roster flexibility and the pursuit of a Stanley Cup over personal financial gain.



<h2>Belief vs. Urgency</h2>



That commitment makes nights like Tuesday’s loss even harder. The Oilers currently sit at 10-10-5, struggling with consistency, defensive lapses, and inconsistent goaltending. While the talent on the roster remains undeniable, their flaws were brutally exposed by a Dallas team firing on all cylinders.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692716532d286e1484d5ebd7" data-title="What is the Oilers’ biggest issue right now?" data-options="5"></div>


However, belief alone will not suffice. The Oilers must translate confidence into structure, discipline, and urgency. Without immediate improvements, this season risks becoming another chapter in a story that Edmonton—and especially its captain—is desperate to rewrite.

Connor McDavid shows clear frustration as Oilers hit new low after ugly loss to Stars

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Connor McDavid exposes deep frustration with Oilers after ugly loss to Stars - Bolavip US

Connor McDavid exposes deep frustration with Oilers after ugly loss to Stars

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers know they are failing to meet expectations in the 2025-26 NHL season. Obviously, missing key pieces to long-term injuries is far from ideal, but Paul Maurice still wants better from his side. Following the 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the two-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach sent his team a strong message.



Good times seem to fade away in an eyeblink for Marchand and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> in the current NHL season. Just when the Cats had strung together consecutive wins, a tough loss to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a> rained down on their parade. Following the defeat on home ice, Maurice didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts on the performance.



“It certainly was not a defensive struggle out there. It was a struggle at times, but not defensively,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-maurice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maurice</a> admitted, via Jameson Olive and <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “They had the lead. 



“They were able to protect a little bit and we had the chance to push a little bit hard. Shots were [13-8] for them in the first period, but we missed the net 13 times. We were in the right end and generating enough but just gave up too much.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251123_BUS_532421_paul-maurice_3d0e6be3.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Paul Maurice standing behind the bench" class="wp-image-510508" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Paul Maurice at Amerant Bank Arena on October 07, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Panthers should be scoring more</h2>



Two things can be true. Marchand is playing some of the best hockey of his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> career, yet the Panthers’ offense has been underwhelming. The 37-year-old came just shy of matching his career-best point streak of 13 games—he hit 11 straight this season—but the rest of the team has struggled to put the puck in the net.


 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/brad-marchand-net-worth"></div>

 


According to data from MoneyPuck.com, the Panthers register the sixth-worst goals scored above expected mark in the league (minus 12.36). This means the Panthers should have scored roughly 12 more goals this season — 73 tallies, instead of their 61 goals so far in the season. Moreover, Florida has the fifth-worst shooting percentage — 4.59% — in all attempts.



Thus, the data supports and confirms what every fan at Amerant Bank Arena has seen all season long. In more ways than one, the Panthers are shooting themselves in the foot and setting themselves up for failure with their lack of efficiency.

NHL News: Paul Maurice issues stern reminder to Brad Marchand, Panthers after tough loss to Oilers

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NHL News: Paul Maurice issues stern reminder to Brad Marchand, Panthers after tough loss to Oilers - Bolavip US

Maurice issues stern reminder to Marchand, Panthers after tough loss to Oilers

Inconsistency is putting the Edmonton Oilers’ 2025-26 NHL season in jeopardy. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor McDavid</a> and Leon Draisaitl know all hope is placed on their shoulders, being asked to steer the organization to safe harbor. However, head coach Kris Knoblauch has now issued a stern message to the rest of the team.



For as long as McDavid and Draisaitl have wreak havoc on the ice for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oilers</a>, Edmonton has seen its production become one-dimensional. It’s perhaps the most obvious two-edged sword across the NHL. While Connor and Leon can produce just as many points as any other player, relying on them constantly is far from a recipe for success.



For fans in the Gateway to the North, it’s becoming a tale as old as time. Some may think it’s an overreaction, but living and reliving Groundhog Day in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> is making fans in Edmonton anxious. The rest of the team must step up, and Knoblauch didn’t mince words on that.



“We need to have secondary scoring,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kris-knoblauch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kris Knoblauch</a> admitted, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “We can’t rely on Connor and Leon or whoever’s playing with them. We need some bottom-six contributions. Tonight we got some of that, which is good.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530783_Head-coach-Kris-Knoblauch-of-the-Edmonton-Oilers-takes-part-in-practice-during-the-off-day-between-g_70df2619.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers takes part in practice during the off day between games against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 12, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada." class="wp-image-364966" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers</figcaption></figure>



<h2>A pending task for the Oilers</h2>



For a very long time, the Oilers have vied to build a contending roster around their two centerpieces. However, the offense is still being carried entirely by McDavid and Draisaitl. Day has followed night, night after night, and the Canadian-German duo remains the only source Edmonton turns to for answers.


 

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Edmonton is currently 9-9-4 on the season, sitting in the middle of the pack in the Pacific Division with 22 points. However, to truly be seen as a contender, the Oilers must get everyone in the lineup involved. If their back-to-back defeats in the Stanley Cup Final serve as any reminder, McDavid and Draisaitl can’t do it all themselves. To reach the promised land, Edmonton needs all hands on deck.



<h2>McDavid and Draisaitl’s numbers</h2>



To no one’s surprise, McDavid and Draisaitl sit atop the stats leaderboards. The former first overall pick in 2015 is second in scoring around the league with 32 points—9 goals and 23 assists. As for Draisaitl, the German star has recorded 26 points (14 goals and 12 assists) through 22 games in the 2025-26 NHL season.



The duo has combined for 58 tallies so far this season. With Edmonton registering 181 points across its lineup, McDavid and Draisaitl account for roughly 33% of Knoblauch’s total offensive production. And while the numbers suggest they make up just one-third of the squad’s output, in reality the duo is virtually the whole team.

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Hockey legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> recently commented on Connor McDavid’s contract extension, which has once again put the Edmonton Oilers under scrutiny. The superstar center, widely regarded as one of the game’s elite talents, remains the cornerstone of the franchise’s offense and leadership. His new two-year, $25 million deal, set to start in the 2026-27 season, raises the stakes for both him and the team.



After <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back</a> Stanley Cup Final losses to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>, Edmonton is eager to convert potential into results. McDavid’s extension provides stability and signals his commitment to the organization—but it also highlights the urgency for management to assemble a roster capable of contending. 



The contract reflects more than just salary. McDavid continues to focus on team achievement over individual gain, and his presence underscores the importance of timely decisions from Edmonton’s front office as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a> aim to return to championship form.



<h2>Is McDavid putting the Oilers on the clock?</h2>



Wayne Gretzky recently weighed in on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">McDavid</a>’s deal during an appearance on 100% Hockey with John Shannon and Daren Millard. “I think everybody is [aware that they’re on the clock]. I think he sent the message loud and clear. And good for him. He still gets paid a lot of money. Is he getting what he deserves? No, probably not, because he’s one of the guys that sells tickets in every stadium that he goes to. People get out of their chairs,” Gretzky said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251113_BUS_525805_wayne-connor_b5d2ca81.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-525812"></figure><figcaption>Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers talks with Wayne Gretzky after McDavid wins the Hart Memorial Trophy. Ethan Miller/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Gretzky’s words acknowledge McDavid’s value while also emphasizing the pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise. The extension places a spotlight not just on McDavid, but on how quickly the Oilers can assemble a supporting cast to maximize his prime years.


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<h2>McDavid’s production and expectations</h2>



Through 17 games in the 2025-26 season, McDavid has recorded 7 goals and 17 assists for 24 points, averaging more than 23 minutes of ice time per game. Despite a minus-4 rating, he remains the engine of Edmonton’s offense.


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McDavid’s deal ensures he will remain a focal point for two more seasons, placing the onus on the Oilers’ management to construct a roster capable of championship contention.

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