connor mcdavid

Connor McDavid Is Back on Fire: Why Oilers Fans Are Calling This a Gretzky-Like Resurgence

After a quiet start to the 2024–25 NHL season that had even the most loyal Edmonton Oilers fans wondering if their captain was losing his edge, Connor McDavid has roared back with a vengeance. The 28-year-old superstar is now riding a 10-game point streak, earning back-to-back NHL First Star honours, and drawing comparisons to Wayne Gretzky himself in terms of offensive dominance.

For Canadian hockey fans—especially those in Alberta—this isn’t just a hot streak. It’s a full-throated reminder of why McDavid remains the most electrifying player in the game today.

The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

When the Oilers opened their season, McDavid looked… off. Goals were scarce. Celebrations were muted. Even when he scored, there was a sense of detachment—a far cry from the explosive, emotionally charged performances that have defined his career.

But as December rolled in, something shifted. Against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 10, McDavid recorded his third four-point game of the month, igniting a run that has seen him tally five goals and five assists over just four games. That surge earned him the NHL’s First Star of the Week—for the second straight week—a rare feat that underscores just how dominant he’s been.

“He just keeps getting better,” one fan wrote on OilersNation after McDavid’s latest masterpiece. “Even when we doubted him, he answered.”

Indeed, McDavid’s resurgence has been both statistical and emotional. Where early-season goals felt mechanical, recent tallies have been met with fist pumps, helmet tosses, and visible joy on the bench. That emotional re-engagement hasn’t gone unnoticed by teammates or fans.

“You can feel it in the room,” said Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse in a post-game interview cited by TSN. “When Connor’s playing like this, everyone feeds off it.”

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Dominance

The evidence of McDavid’s revival is clear in the official record:

• December 3–10, 2024: McDavid records points in 10 consecutive games, including three multi-goal outings.
• December 11, 2024: Named NHL First Star of the Week for the second week in a row by the league’s official selection panel—a first for any player this season.
• December 10, 2024: Posts four points (2 goals, 2 assists) against the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking his third four-point performance in December alone.
• December 7, 2024: Scores a hat trick versus the Calgary Flames in a 6–3 Oilers win, reigniting the Battle of Alberta with vintage McDavid flair.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re statements. And they’ve been corroborated by multiple trusted Canadian sports outlets, including Sportsnet, TSN, and OilersNation, all of which have highlighted McDavid’s return to elite form.

Sportsnet went so far as to describe his current pace as “Gretzky-like,” noting that if he maintains this trajectory, he could challenge for a 50-goal season—something only a handful of players have ever achieved in the modern NHL era.

Contextual Background: Why This Streak Matters

To understand the significance of McDavid’s current run, it helps to revisit his legacy—and the weight of expectation that comes with it.

Selected first overall by the Oilers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, McDavid was hailed as a generational talent from day one. At just 18 years old, he was already being compared to Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. By 2020, he’d won his first Hart Trophy as league MVP. By 2023, he’d led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final.

Yet even legends have slumps. Last season, McDavid missed significant time due to injury, and his production dipped slightly upon return. This year’s slow start—just 8 points in the first 12 games—sparked quiet concern among analysts and fans alike.

But history shows that McDavid doesn’t stay down for long. In the 2022–23 season, after a similarly slow October, he went on a 16-game point streak and finished with 153 points—the highest single-season total since Mario Lemieux in 1995–96.

What makes this current streak different? The emotional component. Early in the season, McDavid appeared disengaged—almost robotic. Now, he’s visibly energized, celebrating with teammates, pumping up the crowd at Rogers Place, and leading by example in practice.

“It’s not just about the points,” said hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet’s Headlines segment. “It’s about the energy he’s bringing back to the team. That’s contagious.”

This resurgence also comes at a critical time for the Oilers. With the NHL trade deadline approaching and playoff positioning tightening, Edmonton needs its captain firing on all cylinders. McDavid’s current form gives them not just hope—but belief.

Immediate Effects: How McDavid’s Surge Is Changing the Oilers’ Season

The impact of McDavid’s hot streak extends far beyond his personal stat line.

Team Performance: Since McDavid’s 10-game point streak began, the Oilers have gone 8–2–0, climbing from outside the Western Conference playoff picture to solidifying a top-three spot in the Pacific Division.

Fan Engagement: Attendance at Rogers Place has surged, with sellouts reported for five straight home games. Social media mentions of #McDavid and #LetsGoOilers have spiked by over 300% compared to November, according to internal analytics shared by OilersNation.

Media Narrative: Canadian sports media, once cautiously optimistic about Edmonton’s chances, is now openly discussing the Oilers as legitimate Cup contenders—again, largely because of McDavid’s resurgence.

Even rival teams are taking notice. “You game-plan for him, and he still finds a way,” said Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan after McDavid’s four-point night. “That’s what separates the greats from the rest.”

Economically, the ripple effects are tangible. Jersey sales for McDavid have jumped 45% month-over-month on NHLShop.ca, and local Edmonton businesses near the arena report increased foot traffic on game nights.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for McDavid and the Oilers?

If McDavid maintains his current pace—averaging nearly 2 points per game over the last month—he’s on track for one of the most dominant offensive seasons in NHL history. Projections suggest he could finish with 140+ points, putting him in rarefied air alongside Gretzky, Lemieux, and Crosby.

But the bigger question isn’t about individual accolades—it’s about the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers haven’t won it since 1990. McDavid has never won it. Yet with his renewed fire, a healthy Leon Draisaitl, and a steadily improving defence core, Edmonton looks more dangerous than it has in years.

Potential risks remain: injuries (McDavid has missed significant time in three of the last five seasons), playoff fatigue, and the ever-present threat of a goaltending slump. But for now, the momentum is undeniable.

Looking ahead, analysts believe McDavid’s leadership could be the X-factor that pushes the Oilers over the top. “He’s not just playing well—he’s inspiring,” said TSN’s Darren Dreger. “When your best player sets that tone, everything else follows.”

And for Canadian hockey fans, especially those in oil country, that’s a tone worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Streak—A Statement

Connor McDavid’s recent run isn’t just about points or awards. It’s about resilience. It’s about answering doubt with dominance. It’s about reminding the world—and himself—why he’s still the best player on the ice.