In a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, Connor McDavid reached yet another milestone, hitting the 100-point mark for the eighth time in his illustrious career, as the Edmonton Oilers secured a 3-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks on April 16, 2025. McDavid, who entered the game with 99 points, wasted no time in reaching the century mark, assisting on Ty Emberson's goal just 8:20 into the first period. This achievement not only solidifies McDavid's status as one of the league's elite but also places him in rare company, joining legends Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Marcel Dionne as the only players in NHL history to record eight 100-point seasons.
The game itself was more than just a formality; it marked the end of the regular season for both teams, with the Oilers finishing with a record of 48-29-5, totaling 101 points. The victory also showcased the Oilers' momentum heading into the playoffs, as they went 7-3 in their last ten games, a strong finish despite a slew of injuries to key players throughout the season. "I don’t know if we accomplished much," said head coach Kris Knoblauch, reflecting on the game. "It was nice to finish the season off with a victory, it was nice seeing Connor get his hundredth point and Skinner getting a shutout after his time off. He’s come back with two very solid performances."
Stuart Skinner, the Oilers' goaltender, played a pivotal role in the win, stopping 18 shots to earn an 18-save shutout. This performance was particularly impressive given that he had missed several games earlier in the season due to injury. Skinner's solid play was complemented by contributions from his teammates, with Max Jones netting his first goal as an Oiler and Corey Perry adding his 19th goal of the season. The Oilers' success in this game was a testament to their depth and resilience, especially considering the absence of several star players.
McDavid's achievement of reaching 100 points for the eighth time is particularly noteworthy when considering the context of his career. In his ten seasons in the NHL, he has only failed to reach the century mark twice. The first instance was during his rookie season in 2015-16 when he recorded 48 points in 45 games due to a broken collarbone. The second was in the pandemic-shortened season of 2019-20, where he finished with 97 points in just 64 games. This season, however, has been a rollercoaster for McDavid, who faced injuries that sidelined him for a total of 11 games. Despite these setbacks, he has managed to maintain his elite level of play.
As the Oilers prepare for their upcoming playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings, McDavid's performance will be crucial. The two teams have met in the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, with the Oilers emerging victorious each time. "It’s finding our momentum going into the most important time of the year," said Emberson, reflecting on the team's focus as they gear up for the playoffs. The Oilers are looking to capitalize on their recent form and make a deep run in the postseason.
In addition to McDavid's milestone, the Oilers' success this season has also been marked by the impressive performance of Leon Draisaitl, who, despite missing significant time, managed to win the NHL's goal-scoring title with 52 goals. This marks Draisaitl's fourth season with 50 or more goals, further solidifying his status as one of the league's premier scorers. Skinner praised Draisaitl, stating, "He’s incredible, he has an absolute bomb. The way he gets it off so quickly it looks like he barely shoots. He pops it off so quick. And he has one of the highest IQs in the game."
Meanwhile, the Sharks faced a challenging season, finishing with the league's worst record at 52 points. The game against the Oilers was particularly emotional, as it was the Sharks' first since captain Logan Couture announced his retirement due to injury. The team honored Couture with a video tribute, acknowledging his contributions to the franchise. Despite the loss, the Sharks showed glimpses of promise with the development of young talents like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
As the Oilers look to the playoffs, they will need to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strengths. The upcoming series against the Kings promises to be a fierce battle, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Pacific Division. The Oilers will be eager to extend their playoff success against Los Angeles, while the Kings will be looking to turn the tide this time around.
In conclusion, Connor McDavid's remarkable achievement of reaching 100 points for the eighth time is a testament to his talent and determination. As the Oilers head into the playoffs, all eyes will be on their captain to lead the charge in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The season may have concluded for the Sharks, but they will be looking to the future, armed with the knowledge that they have the top odds in the upcoming draft lottery. The stage is set for an exciting playoff season, with the Oilers positioned as serious contenders.
