All it took for Connor McDavid was to get into a groove.

And now that he’s found it, he seems nearly unstoppable, tying a career-high in points in the month of December, racking up a staggering 12 goals and 31 points. He’s on pace for 50 goals, 95 assists and 144 points — totals that would give him his second 50-goal campaign, and his second season with as many points.

It seemingly flipped like a light switch for McDavid, but he shone a light as to what has helped him find his game: the schedule.

“I like the schedule. The schedule suits me,” he said after putting up five assists against the Calgary Flames Tuesday night. “I like just getting into a groove and sticking with it, getting into a good routine. The games feel comfortable that way.”

The schedule doesn’t lighten up for the Oilers, or any team, for that matter, as in January, the team will play 15 games with 11 on home ice — a place where McDavid’s always been more productive. He’s averaged .56 goals per game and 1.66 points per game at home, compared to .47 goals per game and 1.45 points per game on the road.

The workload will increase for McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and potentially more with the Olympics in February, but there’s no denying how excited both will be to represent Canada and Germany on the international stage.

Edmonton has surged up the Pacific Division standings with a 8-3-1 record in December that’s left them tied with the Anaheim Ducks and Vegas Golden Knights for first in the division. While the Golden Knights have played three less games than Edmonton and the Ducks one less, Edmonton still has plenty of games left against both clubs.

Time will tell how successful McDavid’s season will be after the final regular season games, but his current run will bring questions about whether or not he can hit the 150-point mark again.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, senior columnist, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.