SAN JOSE, Calif. — Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid became the first player in 27 years to reach 150 points in a season when he had a goal and an assist in the first period of his club’s 6-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
McDavid set up Ryan Nugent-Hopkins early in the opening period for his 87th assist and then knocked in a rebound with 1:44 left in the first for his 63rd goal to reach the milestone last achieved by Mario Lemieux when he scored 161 points in 1995-96.
McDavid became just the sixth player to record 150 points in a season, joining Wayne Gretzky (nine times), Lemieux (four times), Phil Esposito, Steve Yzerman and Bernie Nicholls. He added another goal, his 64th of the season, in the third period to conclude the scoring. Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard assisted on that tally.
“I haven’t put a ton of thought into it,” McDavid said about his latest milestone. “The guys kind of put a little video together of all the other five guys that have done it. It kind of hit me. That was special. To hear from all five was amazing.”
It has been a season to remember for McDavid, as the All-Star forward is headed back to the postseason a year after the Oilers advanced to the Western Conference Finals. The runaway favorite for the Hart Trophy, given to the NHL’s most valuable player, McDavid has been shattering both team and league records monthly.
“A special player joined an elite group of players in the history of the game,” Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft said. “Obviously, what drives him is making sure that the team wins. That’s a big reason why we won today.”
McDavid’s teammate Leon Draisaitl, also an All-Star forward, is the second-highest points scorer in the NHL the season, and there’s a chance Connor finishes 30 points ahead of him.
“I can’t say enough things about him,” linemate Zach Hyman said. “Obviously, just the best player in the world and just continues to push his own envelope and continues to make himself better and make our team better.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.