Oilers Continue Their Winning Ways
The Edmonton Oilers are carving their name in the annals of NHL history with an exceptional run of form. As they secured their 16th consecutive victory, the Oilers are now tantalizingly close to equalling the longest winning streak in the league's history.
On The Brink of Tying the Record
The team's relentless pursuit of success sees them just one win shy of tying the NHL record for the longest winning streak, a record currently held by the Pittsburgh Penguins who achieved a 17-game streak back in the 1992-93 season. With their next game against the formidable Vegas Golden Knights on February 6th, the Oilers have the opportunity to etch their names alongside the Penguins in the NHL history books.
Standout Performances
The Oilers' latest triumph came against the Nashville Predators, with a definitive 4-1 win showcasing the talent that has propelled them through this remarkable streak. Dynamic duo Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were once again at the forefront, with each player notching a goal and two assists in the game. Their combined season tallies now stand at an astonishing 28 goals and 76 assists.
Supporting the offensive might of McDavid and Draisaitl were Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, who both found the back of the net to bolster the Oilers' scoring efforts. Meanwhile, goalie Stuart Skinner turned away 28 shots, earning himself a franchise record of 12 consecutive wins, a testament to his exceptional play between the pipes.
Defensive Dominance
Throughout the season, the Oilers have also flexed their defensive muscles, allowing the fewest goals in the league thus far. This defensive prowess was again on display as they managed to maintain their discipline and structure against the Predators, whose effort to rebound after losing three out of their last four games fell short against the stalwart Edmonton squad.
Notably, mid-way through the first period, the Oilers capitalized on a power play opportunity to score their first goal, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. It's this combination of timely scoring and solid defense that has been the backbone of the Oilers' remarkable run, which includes a franchise-record streak of 14 games of conceding no more than two goals.
Historical Milestones
Leon Draisaitl's performance against the Predators proved doubly significant as he reached a personal milestone, achieving his 800th career point, becoming the fourth-fastest player in history to do so. With Draisaitl and McDavid both being previous Hart Memorial Trophy winners in 2020 and, respectively, 2017, 2021, and 2023, their leadership on the ice continues to elevate the Oilers' play.
The Oilers' winning streak finds its roots in a victory over the New York Islanders on December 21st. Since then, they have not looked back, amassing an enviable record of 15-0-1 during the streak, and going 24-3-0 over their last 27 games. Now, they share the second-longest winning streak in the NHL alongside the Columbus Jackets.
Players Reflect on the Streak
The team's captain, Connor McDavid, acknowledged the recent challenges the team has faced, 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."
Leon Draisaitl mirrored McDavid's sentiment while highlighting the significance of the winning streak: "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."
Looking Ahead
With their next game slated against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Oilers stand on the precipice of achieving what few teams have managed in the storied history of the NHL. Fans and players alike will have their eyes fixed on whether this Edmonton team can continue their outstanding play and capture a piece of hockey history. Regardless of the outcome, the Oilers' exceptional winning streak of the 2022-2023 season will be remembered for years to come.