Edmonton Oilers kept their NHL season alive with a strong Game 5 win, and head coach Kris Knoblauch pointed to the rising form of Connor McDavid as a key factor.
McDavid entered the game as a game-time decision due to an ankle issue, but he delivered under pressure. He recorded two assists, including one on the power play, and fired four shots on goal in the 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. His play helped push the series to 3-2 and forced a Game 6.
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Connor McDavid finding rhythm in NHL playoffs
Knoblauch praised McDavid’s recent stretch, suggesting his best hockey is now coming at the right time. When asked about the captain’s performance, he gave a straight answer.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Knoblauch said. “I really think he’s played his best in the last four periods. The third period in game four, I thought he had some really good scoring chances. Drove the nets two or three times late in the game. We almost scored on one of them, I think with about five minutes in game four, but yeah, he’s just continuing getting better, so it’s that’s a good sign for us.”
The coach’s comments underline a clear trend. McDavid has looked sharper, more aggressive, and more involved despite dealing with injury concerns. He was silent offensively in the first two games, but his ability to push through defenders and create chances has given Edmonton a lift.
McDavid’s impact in the 2025-26 NHL season
Even without a goal in Game 5, McDavid influenced the game in multiple ways. He assisted twice on Leon Draisaitl‘s goals, showing strong chemistry with his teammate. Evan Bouchard also played a major role with three assists, while Vasily Podkolzin and Zach Hyman added goals.
“Podz was great. Podz’s been great,” McDavid said about Podkolzin. “He’s been one of our best players all playoffs long and plays really hard. You know that’s a big goal there. Great shot.”
Connor McDavid on the Oilers’ strong start in Game 5
Edmonton’s early scoring helped ease pressure. The team struck first for the fifth straight game and built a 3-0 lead in the opening period. That allowed them to manage the pace while relying on Connor Ingram, who made 29 saves.
McDavid said, “It was a good start obviously, and you said Podz set the tone and that whole line there did a great job of finding a way to get a couple goals there, and you know it’s obviously nice to play with the lead. You know – not chasing the game is a good thing. Holding them off and closing it out was solid.”
McDavid’s closes in on a Wayne Gretzky record
McDavid’s playoff numbers now stand at one goal and five assists through five games. He also reached 63 career playoff points when trailing in a series, moving past Adam Oates for second all-time behind Wayne Gretzky.
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The Oilers had struggled to hold leads earlier in the series. This time, they stayed composed, with McDavid leading by example. His growing form now gives Edmonton belief heading into Game 6.
