The Oilers have become appointment viewing.
As long as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl stay healthy and on the same line, they are as electric a duo as there has been in the NHL in years. Not only do they have that team finally playing competitive hockey — and we’ll hold our breath on that 8-2-1 start — but they are also Nos. 2 and 3 in the league in scoring.
In a heavyweight match on Thursday night in Edmonton against the Capitals, McDavid put up a goal and two assists, breaking a three-game point drought — tying the longest point drought of his career. He’s played 298 games. He will be the eighth player in history to go 300 games without a point drought of more than three games. Mario Lemieux is the only player to never go more than two games, with an impressive list than hasn’t gone more than three — Gretzky, Lindros, Bossy, Sid, Teemu, and Nieuwendyk.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl (whose name I’m finally learning to spell without looking it up) had two goals and an assist, which included this beauty give-and-go with McDavid in the 3-on-3 overtime against Washington. Maybe the first two years of the eight-year, $68 million deal weren’t a slam dunk, but the next six might be.
Here’s a reminder if you’re playing the Oilers and it’s tied in the third period — try to win before regulation ends. No one can keep up with those guys. No one.
The depth of this team is a little suspect, and I don’t know how much I’m buying Mikko Koskinen in nets. But knowing that McDavid and Draisaitl are going to jump over the boards every couple minutes is reason enough to stay up late on the East Coast.
Johnny on the Spot
Speaking of that game in Edmonton, how about the historic start to the season for Washington defenseman John Carlson? The guy extended his points streak to nine games and is the second defenseman in NHL history to lead the league outright in points through the first 23 days in a season. His company? Bobby Orr in 1969-70 (2-16—18 in 10 GP).
Of the top 50 point-production seasons for a defenseman in league history, only two have come after 1996 — Brent Burns putting up 83 points this past season and Erik Karlsson with 82 in 2015-16. Carlson is currently on pace for 143.
Torts Spot On
Couldn’t agree more with John Tortorella — see, I knew the day would come! Listen, the shootout was fun while it lasted. (Was it?) But the NHL has become so predicated on speed and skill that the 3-on-3 overtime is absolutely thrilling. And, you know, it resembles actual hockey.
“I don’t know what we’re waiting for to get rid of this shootout stuff,” the Blue Jackets coach said. “If it goes past five minutes, it’s not going to be many more minutes after five. I think it’s just dynamite.”
Fighting against Fighting
I understand that UFC is sanctioned and exists because people like it, but only in hockey does something like this happen and people cheer with bloodlust. It’s disgusting. Head injuries, CTE, all of the things that are involved; all of the things that Dan Carcillo is admirably fighting against? When is enough enough?
Pasta Party
Maybe I’m a little late to this fiesta, but David Pastrnak absolutely has the right to be considered in the league’s elite. He had one of the best goals AND one of the best assists of the year, both in the same game. Pretty impressive.
Krug the Comedian
Speaking of the Bruins, how about this gem from Torey Krug’s Instagram account? Kids these days with the Photoshop and whatnot. (Respect for the “Happy Gilmore” love, too.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B39eUpRFb2f/
Kings-Flames, off the turnbuckle
Ah, the glorious Drew Doughty-Matt Tkachuk rivalry barrels on. A tidy little hip check from Doughty started a big scrum, and Calgary captain Mark Giordano comes flying in off the top rope for the take-out. More West Coast appointment viewing when these two get together.
Stay tuned . . .
. . . to the Heritage Classic! Oh, you didn’t know? The NHL is playing an outdoor game this Saturday in Regina, Saskatchewan, between the Jets and Flames. It airs at 10 p.m. I’ve been a little sour about being overwrought with these events in the past, but the fans always love them. I’m sure the hearty folks of Western Canada will eat this up.
And all-around good guy Travis Hamonic gets to finally play outdoors after missing the Islanders-Rangers matchup at Yankee Stadium five years ago.
Parting Shot
Tim Horton’s is the best. Enjoy Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, puppies, and a donut-pinata.
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