Introduction
In the realm of Stanley Cup playoff scoring, few names resonate as profoundly as Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, who hold the top spots in all-time points. Yet, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are making headlines by surpassing the legendary Oilers duo in a specific playoff achievement.
A Historic Achievement
“They represent the pinnacle of their era,” remarked Messier, who boasts 295 points in 236 playoff games, standing behind Gretzky’s remarkable 382 points amassed over just 208 games.
Notably, Messier and Gretzky accumulated 28 games together where both players scored at least two points in the playoffs. However, following Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, McDavid’s three assists and Draisaitl’s goal and assist brought their own tally to 29 in combined outings, eclipsing the legendary duo.
Chasing the Legends
As they chase Gretzky and Glenn Anderson for second place in career multipoint games, McDavid and Draisaitl still have a significant gap to bridge to compare with Gretzky and his long-time partner Jari Kurri, who combined for an astounding 44 such games between the Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings.
“It’s incredible to see a franchise like Edmonton, with its rich history of talent, continue to produce exceptional players like McDavid and Draisaitl. Not every team has had greats like Bobby Orr or Mario Lemieux, yet Edmonton was lucky enough to transition from Gretzky to these two superstars,” Messier expressed further.
Franchise Legacy
Messier himself isn’t just a bystander; he ranks third in NHL history with an impressive 1,887 career points. Alongside Gretzky, they captured four Stanley Cups in Edmonton, with Messier securing an additional title with the Oilers after Gretzky’s departure to LA. In terms of playoff performance within the franchise, Gretzky and Messier dominate the scoring while McDavid and Draisaitl rank fifth and sixth, respectively.
Current Stars on a Mission
“They’ve been cornerstone players for a long time, exemplifying what it means to be elite athletes in our league,” praised goaltender Stuart Skinner, an Oilers fan turned player himself.
Draisaitl, selected third in the 2014 NHL Draft, was chosen after players like Aaron Ekblad and Sam Reinhart, both of whom now play for the Panthers. Meanwhile, McDavid, who was the prized first pick in 2015 following a significant lottery win, represents the hope and skill of a new generation of Oilers.
Playoff Performance
Last postseason, McDavid and Draisaitl led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final, nearly overcoming a daunting 3-0 series deficit to the Panthers, ultimately losing in a gripping Game 7. This year, McDavid currently leads all players in the playoffs with 31 points, and Draisaitl closely follows with 29.
Draisaitl’s performance has included three straight postseasons where he has netted at least 10 goals, placing him in rare company alongside legends like Mike Bossy and Gretzky. McDavid’s three instances of reaching 30 points in postseason play ties him for second-most in history, behind only Gretzky. Should Draisaitl also achieve 30 points, they will establish a new NHL record for teammates achieving back-to-back 30-point postseasons.
On-Ice Synergy
The connection between McDavid and Draisaitl has even been referred to as having a telepathic quality; their on-ice synergy has resulted in them factoring into 73 playoff goals together, a figure only surpassed historically by Gretzky/Kurri, Anderson/Messier, and Bossy/Trottier.
Coaching Strategy
As the Oilers continue their playoff journey, Coach Kris Knoblauch has been strategic in leveraging this pairing effectively. While their offensive production together has been astounding, the coaching staff also aims to maintain a balanced scoring approach throughout the line-up.
Conclusion
Throughout their playoff journey, McDavid and Draisaitl have been potent forces, demonstrating impressive outputs not only in goal scoring but in setting up their teammates, further emphasizing their roles as top offensive generators in Edmonton’s offensive schemes. As the franchise seeks to rekindle past glories, all eyes will remain focused on how McDavid and Draisaitl will perform as the playoff series unfolds.
In the face of historical pressure, the duo’s ability to navigate defenses has proven formidable, forcing opponents, including the Panthers, to constantly adjust their strategies in defense against them. The narrative from past playoffs has underscored their evolution as seasoned competitors ready to tackle both physical and mental challenges en route to success.
