Oilers’ Connor McDavid becomes the first player since Wayne Gretzky to record 10 assists in a series twice

Connor McDavid joined an exclusive club on the night he and his team punched their ticket to the second round.

The Oilers were moving the puck along well on the power play in the second period, which saw numerous passes between McDavid and Leon Draisaitl before the latter fired a shot from a sharp angle. At first, it appeared like David Rittich made an incredible glove save on the play, but a video review showed that the glove went over the red line and was confirmed to be a good goal.

With an assist on this play, McDavid became just the second player ever to register at least 10 assists in a playoff series twice. The only other player in NHL history to record this feat was Wayne Gretzky, who did it four times in his career. McDavid previously had 10 assists in their first-round series against the Kings back in 2022. The fact he was able to match that total from two years ago and surpass it in two fewer games played is quite an impressive accomplishment any way you slice it.

Not that he needed any more evidence to prove that he is the best player in the NHL right now, but this achievement is yet another reminder of how fortunate Oilers fans are to have McDavid on their side. After all, this is the same guy who became just the fourth player ever to record 100 assists in a season and is one season closer to being one of 29 players to register 10 campaigns with at least 30 goals.

It is not hyperbole to suggest that McDavid is well on pace to end up being one of the best players in NHL history. Perhaps he has already achieved that with only one more obstacle to surpass before ensuring he leaves no doubts about that distinction.

Whether their second-round opponent ends up being the Canucks or Predators, Edmonton knows that #97 will be the biggest X-factor in that series. McDavid is a man on a mission right now and his offensive production against Los Angeles proves he has aspirations of taking his team to heights not seen since 1990.