For whatever reason, the Edmonton Oilers have struggled mightily against the Columbus Blue Jackets over the last few seasons, and last night’s matchup at Rogers Place was a chance for some redemption. And on a night when Connor McDavid was celebrated for his 1000th NHL point, the boys outclassed the Blue Jackets to the tune of a 6-3 beatdown.

On a night when the Oilers celebrated Connor McDavid’s 1,000 career points, the captain clearly decided he wanted to turn the night into one we wouldn’t forget. After a quick ceremony to honour the achievement — featuring Lenny — it took only 9:46 before the captain got himself on the scoresheet with a breathtaking no-look pass to Zach Hyman that he easily deposited past Daniil Tarasov. It was one of those passes that made me laugh out loud because I don’t even know how he saw Hyman waiting near the side of the net.

Regardless of my never-ending astonishment at what he does on the ice, that first marvellous assist was only the start of McDavid’s big night. Over the next 50 minutes, the McDavid masterclass continued with three more assists, giving him 10 points (3G, 7A) in his last five games. And the wild part from my side of the TV screen was that No. 97 had so many looks that he could have easily tacked on a goal or two in addition to the four assists he ended up with. Long story short, it was another one of those nights that was so much fun because of how special he is.

I know I say it all the time, but please enjoy the fact that we get to watch Connor McDavid on a nightly basis because the things he does so often that seem like second nature are anything but normal.

I mean absolutely no offence to Kasperi Kapanen when I say this, but the guy is not Zach Hyman. As much as I was grateful and happy to see Kapanen score on Saturday in Colorado, having Hyman back in the lineup is a very real upgrade to the Oilers’ top six. Having Hyman back should improve what’s happening on the top line and the power play, but I also say that without knowing what was going on with him in the first place. Either way, he definitely followed through on his end of the bargain last night against Columbus.

Regardless of what was happening with his undisclosed injury, I was just happy (read: thrilled) to have ZMH back in the lineup again, provided he’s healthy enough to stay there. Those fears about re-injury were quickly squashed when Hyman tied the game at 1-1 near the midway point of the first period with a classic McDavid-to-Hyman one-timer at the side of the net. Hyman wasn’t done with one, however, as he took a pass from RNH in the right circle and buried it top shelf with a perfectly placed snipe. Magic.

With last night’s third-period marker, Leon Draisaitl became the first player in Oilers history to score 150 power-play goals. Of course, we already knew Draisaitl was leading the team in power-play goals, but what’s most incredible to me is how he’s increasing his lead over two very good players. Glenn Anderson and Ryan Smyth both scored 126 power-play goals with the Oilers in their time here, but they’re already well in the rear-view mirror from where Draisaitl is today. I can only imagine where he’ll be by the time that new eight-year extension is over, you know?

Draisaitl’s power-play marker also put him in some pretty elite company as just the 56th player to score 150 goals with the man advantage. Among those other 55, he ranks fifth in power-play goals per game, trailing just Brett Hull (.21), Alex Ovechkin (.22), Mike Bossy (.24), and the great Mario Lemieux (.26). Talk about company to keep. While I’m not sure Draisaitl will ever reach the all-time record held by Alex Ovechkin (316), he may very well have the chance to catch second-place Dave Andreychuk, who has 274 power-play goals. Whether he can catch those guys is a question we’ll find out in good time, but for now, I’m certainly proud of our handsome power-play merchant.

1. I love Mattias Ekholm so much, and I always get fired up when our Big Viking Daddy gets on the board. Ever since he’s got here, Ekholm has shown to have more offence under that beard than I expected, and it’s always fun to see him jump up in the play.

2. Was anyone else thrilled for Jeff Skinner when he scored the goal to make it a 5-2 game? I was. The guy hasn’t exactly had an easy go in Edmonton so far, and to see him get rewarded with his fifth of the year on a nifty play near the crease was wonderful. Who knows why he’s in Knoblauch’s doghouse or if he’ll ever get out, but getting Skinner going and feeling good about his game would be a massive help over the next 2/3 of the season.

3. After a very quiet start to the 2024-25 season, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has now produced five points (2G, 3A) in his last four games. I don’t have to tell anyone reading this how much I love the dude, but there was little doubt we needed him to pick it up. Here’s hoping this recent run can be the start of that happening.

4. It wasn’t exactly a banner night for Calvin Pickard between the pipes with his 19 saves and .864 save percentage, but it’s also important to acknowledge that this was the first time in his last four starts when he’s dipped below a .909. I know goaltending is a major topic around these parts, but I don’t really share the same concern when it comes to Our Pal Cal. He seems to be steady back there, and gives the team decent outings more often than not. Was last night one of them? Meh. All I know is that it’s a whole lot easier to cover up a .864 when you’ve got six goals on the board.

5. Will I tell you that the Oilers won 63% of the draws? Yes, I just did. You’re welcome.

6. I don’t know if you guys noticed this or not, but Gregor went a perfect 3/3 in yesterday’s GDB predictions. I’m not trying to accuse the guy of being a witch, but I’m

7. I know this has nothing to do with the outcome, but I watched the game last night at a bar in Toronto, and it was wonderful to watch the boys win in that setting. There’s something about the Oilers winning while I’m in Toronto after making the bartender change the channel that makes the victory feel that much more special.

8. You love to see the Oilers get a power play goal from each unit, don’t you? Of course you do.

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