Raffaele Papaianni
Apr 8, 2026
That's your captain.
When the Oilers needed a big night, Connor McDavid delivered five points, leading Edmonton to a 5 to 2 win over the San Jose Sharks and pushing them into first place in the Pacific.
It didn't start perfect. San Jose got on the board first on the power play, but the response was instant. McDavid answered right back, and from that point on, the Oilers controlled the game.
The power play was a huge difference. Three for three on the night, and it looked dangerous every time. With Leon Draisaitl still out, that's a big sign this group is figuring it out at the right time.
Vasily Podkolzin gave Edmonton the lead late in the first, then in the second, they pulled away. Jack Roslovic made it 3 to 1, and then it became the McDavid show.
Two more goals to finish off the hat trick, plus a couple assists. Every shift felt dangerous.
Defensively, this might have been even more impressive. The Oilers allowed just 14 shots, a season low, and completely shut things down.
Evan Bouchard added two assists and continues to make history. He is now the 13th defenceman in NHL history to hit 90 points in a season.
There was a bit of a scare in goal. Connor Ingram left the game in the second period and did not return. After the game, head coach Kris Knoblauch said:
"About six minutes left in the second he felt some discomfort. Got tested and felt it was best not to play the third." — Kris Knoblauch
There was no update on Jason Dickinson.
San Jose got another from Macklin Celebrini, who continues to impress, but this one was all Edmonton.
The Oilers now sit alone in first place in the Pacific with 90 points, and they're starting to look like a team building something heading into the playoffs.
And when McDavid is playing like that, everything changes.
