(Edmonton) Connor McDavid became the fourth-fastest player in National Hockey League history to reach 1,000 points Thursday night in a 3-2 overtime victory for the Edmonton Oilers, against the Nashville Predators.
Updated at 12:16 a.m.
At his 659e match in the Bettman circuit, the Oilers captain scored his 1000e point by scoring his sixth goal of the campaign at the start of the second period. Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse had assists.
McDavid to register are 1001e point in overtime as he served a superb pass to Darnell Nurse, who only had to complete. It was Nurse’s second goal, who also found the back of the net in the second period.
“It’s a special moment. I said it the other day, but it’s legendary stuff, said Draisaitl, who was complicit in 446 of McDavid’s 1,001 points. To witness that and be a part of it since he was 18, it’s pretty incredible. I am very proud of him and very happy for him. »
Wayne Gretzky (454 games), Mario Lemieux (513) and Mike Bossy (656) are the only three players to reach 1,000 points faster than McDavid.
At 27 years and 306 days, McDavid also became the fourth youngest player to achieve the feat, after Gretzky (23 years and 328 days), Lemieux (26 years and 171 days) and Steve Yzerman (27 years and 291 days). .
“Just seeing the reaction from the players means a lot to me. That means everything to me,” McDavid admitted. Hearing the fans means more to me than any number. It was a really special moment.
“Some things hit me a little more emotionally than I thought they would. »
McDavid, who has 341 goals and 660 assists so far in the NHL, became the 99e player in history to score 1000 points. He has collected 19 points in 14 games this season.
Is the 2000 point plateau possible for McDavid?
“If not him, who else?” That’s the only question I have, Draisaitl replied. I never bet against Connor McDavid. I have learned this over the last 10 years. That wouldn’t surprise me. »
Michael McCarron and Cole Smith scored the goals for the Predators, who have lost seven of their last nine games.
Calvin Pickard stopped 21 shots in the victory while his opposite Scott Wedgewood made 31 saves.