"We got to drag them back to Alberta"- Connor McDavid reflects on Oilers' commanding 8-1 victory over Panthers forcing for Game 5

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jun 16, 2024 18:20 GMT

On Saturday, Connor McDavid led the Edmonton Oilers to an 8-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. His goal and three assists powered the Oilers to a necessary win which keeps their Stanley Cup hopes alive.

Reflecting on the game, McDavid remained focused. He shared the importance of the win while keeping perspective.

"It's just one win, that's all it is," McDavid said (via Edmonton Oilers). "It doesn't matter if you score eight or you score one, it's just one win. We got to go to Florida and do a job and drag them back to Alberta."

McDavid's performance wasn't the only thing to celebrate for Edmonton. Dylan Holloway scored two goals and an assist while Mattias Janmark also contributed with a goal and an assist.

The Oilers' dominance was evident as they never trailed, establishing a 3-1 lead by the end of the first period. Stuart Skinner made 32 saves to fortify Edmonton's defense. The Oilers capitalized on opportunities, scoring three goals in a crucial second period against the Panthers.

McDavid set a new NHL record with 32 assists in one postseason, surpassing Wayne Gretzky.

Gretzky held the previous record of 31 assists since 1988. McDavid's achievement is a historic moment in hockey. With each assist, he showed his skill at setting up plays, lifting his team's performance when it counted most.

"It’s not lost on me what he means to the game,” McDavid said (via NHL.com). “But it’s not the focus right now.”

Connor McDavid praised for performance by coach and teammate

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and his team has once again made a comeback. The only difference is that they are not in the regular season but the Stanley Cup Final.

After leading the team in points during the regular season with 132, McDavid has continued his performance in playoffs. He is leading with 38 points.

Edmonton Coach Kris Knoblauch praised Connor McDavid's performance under pressure:

“Just because of what was at stake, an elimination game in the Final, he just continues to impress everyone. Quite the night for him to set the record. We’re obviously very happy for him to be a part of that ... A great performance. And at the right time.”

Teammate Connor Brown noted Connor McDavid's composure amidst heightened tensions:

“They want to feel like they’re the big, bad, tough team,” Brown said. "Number 97 has the toughest guys in the League every night trying to hit him and coming after him. That’s toughness. Just look at them and laugh just like he did.”

The Oilers now turn their focus to Game 5 in Florida. It will take place on Wednesday, June 19.