Connor McDavid delivered two crucial assists on Monday night, helping the Edmonton Oilers secure a solid 4-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. This performance extended his point streak to an NHL career-high 19 games, a remarkable run that has become a key factor in Edmonton's recent success. The streak continues without much fanfare but carries significant weight as the season progresses.
Oilers Dominate with Controlled Play
The Oilers controlled large stretches of the game, rarely facing sustained pressure from Chicago. McDavid did not need to dominate the scoresheet to make a major impact. Instead, he shaped the game through smart puck movement and sharp decision-making, keeping the Blackhawks on their heels throughout the night.
Teammates Praise McDavid's Leadership
Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard expressed no surprise at McDavid reaching 19 straight games with a point. "I'm not shocked," Bouchard said. "He's been great all season. He's a leader on and off the ice. Obviously, he drives our team." McDavid's two assists pushed his production during the streak to 19 goals and 25 assists, tying Wayne Gretzky's 1986-87 mark for the seventh-longest point streak in Oilers history.
Key Moments in the Game
Zach Hyman opened the scoring late in the first period, redirecting a pass that developed after McDavid drew coverage high in the zone. Just sixteen seconds into the second period, Evan Bouchard doubled the lead by banking the puck in from behind the net, a play that caught the Blackhawks completely off guard.
Leon Draisaitl added insurance late in the game, while goaltender Connor Ingram stopped 29 shots to maintain Edmonton's control. Ingram noted that his comfort in net has grown with regular starts, helping him stay sharp during key stretches.
Blackhawks Struggle Without Bedard
Chicago found a brief lifeline in the third period when Tyler Bertuzzi scored to make it 2-1, but the push was short-lived. Bouchard sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal before Draisaitl scored again moments later. The Blackhawks played without Connor Bedard due to illness, and head coach Jeff Blashill pointed to the opening minutes as the decisive factor. He said his team was not close to its best early on and paid the price against an opponent that rarely gives away chances.
McDavid's Streak Becomes Routine for Oilers
For Edmonton, this result highlighted what has become routine within the team. McDavid's streak no longer raises eyebrows among his teammates. As Bouchard made clear, nights like this are simply part of what the Oilers expect from their captain. His consistency has allowed other players to thrive, a theme that showed again with Bouchard's two-goal performance.
The Oilers' victory underscores their strong form, with McDavid's leadership and skill continuing to drive their success in the NHL season.
