Big Connor McDavid Announcement Made Before Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Stanley Cup Final has lived up to the hype through its first four games. With the Florida Panthers holding a 2–1 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers heading into Game 4, the Oilers stormed back from a 3–0 deficit to take a 4–3 lead. After the Panthers tied the game late, the two teams went to overtime for the third time this series — tied at 4–4.
Advertisement
Ultimately, it was Leon Draisaitl who delivered the game-winner, lifting Edmonton to a thrilling 5–4 win and evening the series at two games apiece heading into Saturday’s pivotal Game 5 in Edmonton.
Ahead of the showdown, Oilers captain Connor McDavid is on the cusp of an historic career milestone.
According to OptaSTATS, following his assist in Game 4, McDavid now has 149 points in his first 94 career playoff games. Only two players in NHL history — fellow Oilers icon Wayne Gretzky (68 games) and Mario Lemieux (86 games) — have reached 150 playoff points in fewer than 100 postseason appearances.
Connor McDavid commands the spotlight every time he steps on the ice — and while he hasn’t found the back of the net yet in this series, his presence has still been felt in a big way. McDavid has tallied six assists through the first four games, continuing to drive the Oilers’ offense with his playmaking.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) during a stoppage of play against the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Following Game 1, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky joined The Pat McAfee Show and offered high praise for McDavid, calling him “the best player in hockey.” Gretzky also emphasized McDavid’s clear focus and determination, noting that a Stanley Cup title remains the ultimate goal driving Edmonton’s captain.
Advertisement
“There’s no question he’s the best player in hockey,” Gretzky said. “He’s an unselfish young man. He loves playing in Edmonton, he loves being the captain of the Oilers. He wants desperately to win a Stanley Cup—that’s all he wants. That’s what he cares about the most right now. He’s just been great for our game; he’s been great for the city of Edmonton.”
Related: Wayne Gretzky Didn’t Hesitate to Name the Greatest NHL Player of All Time
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.