McDavid achieves a rare NHL milestone as the Edmonton Oilers secure a postseason berth.

When Connor McDavid skated off the ice on Thursday night, the crowd inside Rogers Place rose in thunderous ovation—not just for the victory that officially punched the Edmonton Oilers’ ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but for the history that had just unfolded. With a dazzling assist on Zach Hyman’s second-period goal, McDavid reached the 100-assist mark for the season, joining an elite club in NHL history and solidifying his place as one of the game’s all-time greats.

The 6-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes not only secured Edmonton’s playoff spot but also served as a showcase of McDavid’s brilliance. The milestone assist marked his 132nd point of the season, a number that seems absurd even in the high-scoring modern NHL. But for McDavid, it was less about the stats and more about the opportunity ahead.

“Any time you get mentioned in the same sentence as Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, it’s surreal,” McDavid said postgame. “But honestly, we’re just excited to be heading to the playoffs again. That’s where the real work begins.”

The Rare Air of 100 Assists

To fully grasp the significance of McDavid’s accomplishment, it’s important to understand the context. Prior to this season, only three players in NHL history had recorded 100 or more assists in a single campaign: Wayne Gretzky (11 times), Mario Lemieux (once), and Bobby Orr (once). McDavid becomes just the fourth, and the first in over three decades, to hit the mark—a staggering reminder of his otherworldly vision, timing, and playmaking ability.

What makes McDavid’s feat even more remarkable is the environment in which he’s done it. Unlike the firewagon hockey of the 1980s, today’s NHL features structured defensive systems, elite goaltending, and data-driven coaching that leaves little room for offensive explosions. That McDavid is thriving in such a climate—and often against other teams’ best defenders—is a testament to his skill set.

“He’s redefining what’s possible,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “Every night, he’s doing something that makes you shake your head. But behind the highlight reels is an incredible work ethic and leadership.”

The Numbers Behind the Greatness

McDavid’s 100 assists are just the tip of the statistical iceberg. He’s currently second in league scoring, behind only teammate Leon Draisaitl, and leads the NHL in primary assists by a wide margin. Nearly 70% of his helpers have come at even strength, underlining just how much of his production is driven by pure dominance rather than power-play padding.

He also leads all forwards in average ice time and zone entries with control, showcasing how often he dictates the pace of play. And when it comes to creating offense, McDavid is a maestro. His 5-on-5 expected goals contributions rank first in the league, and he’s top five in takeaways—demonstrating that he’s more than just an offensive force; he’s a complete, two-way leader.

“People talk about his speed and skill,” said Arizona defenseman J.J. Moser, who was on the ice for McDavid’s milestone assist. “But what really gets you is how smart he is. He’s three steps ahead.”

Edmonton’s Playoff Push

While McDavid’s milestone will understandably dominate the headlines, the Oilers’ clinching of a playoff berth is equally significant. Edmonton has weathered a turbulent regular season—marked by a shaky start, a mid-season coaching change, and an inconsistent goaltending tandem. But since Knoblauch took over in November, the team has been on a tear, playing some of the best hockey in the NHL.

The Oilers are now 39-14-6 under Knoblauch and have surged into the top three in the Pacific Division. Their potent offense—spearheaded by McDavid, Draisaitl, and the NHL’s leading goal-scorer Zach Hyman—has been matched by improved defensive play and more consistent goaltending from Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.

With the playoffs looming, Edmonton looks like a team capable of making a deep run. Their power play continues to operate at an absurdly efficient clip, their penalty kill has improved dramatically since the All-Star break, and the team seems to have found the kind of balance that eluded them in previous seasons.

“We’ve been building toward something,” said Draisaitl, who had a goal and two assists in Thursday’s win. “We’ve had some tough lessons in the past, but this group is hungry. We believe we can win.”

A Career Defined by Moments

For McDavid, the 100-assist milestone is just the latest in a career defined by excellence. Since being drafted first overall in 2015, the 28-year-old has transformed the Oilers franchise from laughingstock to perennial contender. He’s a three-time Hart Trophy winner, a five-time Art Ross Trophy winner, and widely considered the best player on the planet.

And yet, for all the individual accolades, McDavid’s focus remains firmly on team success. The memory of the Oilers’ disappointing playoff exit last spring, when they fell to the eventual champion Vegas Golden Knights in the second round, still lingers.

“We’ve had our chances,” McDavid said. “Now it’s about finishing the job.”

It’s a sentiment that echoes through the locker room. The core of McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and defenseman Darnell Nurse is complemented by savvy veterans like Corey Perry and Evander Kane, as well as rising stars like Evan Bouchard and Dylan Holloway. The team’s window is wide open, and the expectations have never been higher.

NHL Community Reacts

The NHL world erupted with praise following McDavid’s accomplishment. Social media was flooded with reactions from players, analysts, and fans alike.

“Connor McDavid is not from this planet,” tweeted NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes. “100 assists in today’s game? Unreal.”

Wayne Gretzky himself also weighed in during an intermission segment on TNT’s broadcast: “Connor’s doing things we haven’t seen since the ‘80s, and in a much tougher league. He’s the best player I’ve seen in a long, long time.”

Even players from rival teams tipped their caps.

“Can’t lie—gotta respect greatness,” tweeted Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews. “Congrats, 97.”

What Comes Next?

With the postseason now guaranteed, the Oilers turn their attention to seeding and fine-tuning. They have five games remaining, including two crucial matchups against the Vancouver Canucks, who are also jockeying for positioning atop the Pacific.

For McDavid, there’s also the possibility of chasing history. With 132 points, he’s within striking distance of his career-high 153 set last season. Another strong showing could push him even higher and keep the Art Ross race alive.

But records aside, the main goal is clear.

“We want the Cup,” McDavid said. “That’s it. That’s the goal. All the other stuff is nice, but it doesn’t mean much if we don’t win in June.”

A Season to Remember

Regardless of how the playoffs unfold, this season will go down as one of the most memorable in Oilers history. Between McDavid’s historic milestone, the team’s midseason turnaround, and the electric atmosphere at Rogers Place, Edmonton fans have reason to believe that something special is brewing.

And in a sport that often resists individual stardom in favor of team effort, McDavid is proving that you can have both—that you can be the face of the league while lifting those around you.

“He makes everybody better,” said Knoblauch. “And he does it every night. That’s greatness.”

So as the Oilers prepare for what they hope will be a long playoff run, they do so with a player who isn’t just chasing a Stanley Cup—but rewriting the very definition of excellence in the NHL.

Key Stats from the Game: