Connor McDavid celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period, his 1000th NHL point – Source: Imagn
The atmosphere was electric at Rogers Place as Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers took on the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. McDavid entered the game with 999 career points, one shy of the illustrious 1,000-point milestone.
Oilers fans were buzzing with anticipation, hoping their captain would reach the mark on home ice. McDavid didn’t disappoint.
In the second period, he buried a wrist shot from the slot to hit the 1,000-point mark, becoming the fourth fastest player in NHL history and the 99th overall to do so. McDavid also added another point with a game-winning assist in overtime, pushing his career total to 1,001 points in 659 games.
After the Oilers emerged victorious with a 3-2 overtime win, McDavid struggled to hold back tears in front of the home crowd.
“You guys are making me emotional now, I’m getting emotional in my old age,” McDavid said.”All of us have grown up on this ice, you know, to score the overtime winner at Nursey, Leo, the three guys that had been here, we grew up here, we grew up on this ice in front of you guys. And your guys’ support means the world to us.”
What a league fellas, what a league
Congrats @cmcdavid97 🥃#LetsGoOilers | #EdmontonOilers pic.twitter.com/hMa7jF1nU5
— Missin Curfew (@MissinCurfew) November 15, 2024
After the speech, McDavid received a warm applause and cheers from his home crowd.
Oilers teammates shower praise on Connor McDavid for reaching 1000-point milestone
Connor McDavid’s teammates were quick to shower praise on their captain. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm highlighted McDavid’s nightly excellence, emphasizing his unmatched ability to take control of games single-handedly.
“He’s the best in the world and I feel like he proves it every night, taking a game over and doing it himself,” Mattias Ekholm said post-game.
“It’s very impressive to see that level he holds himself accountable to. In my opinion,he’s the best in the world and it’s a great feeling to having him on your side as opposed to playing against him. It’s been a pleasure so far,” he added.
Long-time teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins put McDavid’s achievement in perspective, calling it “legendary stuff” and emphasizing the significance of reaching the mark in the modern era.
“It’s an insane accomplishment. It’s legendary stuff to be the fourth fastest in NHL history in an era that he’s played in,it’s remarkable. It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of and will continue to be a lot of fun to be a part of,” Nugent-Hopkins said.
Next, Connor McDavid and the Oilers will face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.
