Connor McDavid Sets New NHL Playoff Milestone as Second-Fastest to 100 Assists
Historical Context and Record Comparison
According to recent reports, McDavid achieved this feat in his 90th playoff game, placing him just behind Gretzky, who reached 100 assists in 70 playoff games. As of tonight, McDavid is actively pursuing the record, with his current pace highlighting his extraordinary talent and consistency in high-stakes postseason battles.
Chris Johnston, a respected hockey analyst, noted, “Connor McDavid is the second-fastest player to reach 100 playoff assists in NHL history, behind Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky achieved this in 70 games, while McDavid is currently in his 90th game.”
Climactic Playoff Performance and Team Prospects
McDavid reached this milestone during the opening moments of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. During an early power play, he seized a puck behind the net from Leon Draisaitl and swiftly set up a scoring opportunity for Corey Perry, giving the Oilers an early 1-0 lead.
At the time of writing, Edmonton holds a commanding 3-0 series lead. With a victory, the Oilers are poised to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, potentially facing the Florida Panthers in a rematch of last season’s championship series.
Implications of McDavid’s Achievement
Reaching 100 playoff assists cements McDavid’s status as one of the most prolific playmakers in NHL history. His current pace indicates he could climb even higher in the all-time postseason assist rankings. While he is now fifth in franchise history for playoff assists, he remains 71 behind Gretzky’s record of 142. Additionally, McDavid is just two assists shy of tying Glenn Anderson for fourth place and ten behind Jari Kurri for third.
On a broader scale, McDavid ranks 26th all-time in NHL postseason assists, trailing only Joe Thornton by two assists for 25th place. His ongoing playoff performance continues to impress, as he has accumulated 5 goals and 19 assists for 24 points across 15 games this postseason. This pace, however, is slightly below his remarkable 2024 playoff run, where he posted 8 goals and 34 assists for 42 points in 25 games.
Future Outlook and Legacy
McDavid’s playoff journey remains extraordinary, and his current trajectory suggests he could soon challenge some of the league’s most storied records. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team’s success underscores his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. As he continues to climb the ranks, fans and analysts alike anticipate even more historic achievements in the seasons to come.
