Connor McDavid’s chase for 100 points one of the best NHL stories this season
Anthony Scultore
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Normally, Connor McDavid chasing down 100 points in a season is a pretty ho-hum storyline. This season, context is key. The young start that wears the #97 for the Edmonton Oilers has 81 points in just 46 games for a staggering 1.76 points per game. Prorated out for a full 82 game season and the 24 year-old center is on pace for 144 points.
Remember context? The last time someone won the Art Ross Trophy with more than 130 points it was Mario Lemieux in 1995-96 with 161 points.
Wayne Gretzky believes Connor McDavid can do it
Wayne Gretzky is amazed with Connor McDavid and his legitimate quest for a 100 point season in a 56 game schedule. “It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets more than 100 points,” Gretzky told Sportsnet’s Mark Spector. “Just to show people he’s capable of doing it.”
Let’s throw in a quick reality check first. In order for McDavid to accomplish the feat, he will need 19 points in his last 10 games. That’s already .14 better than his incredible current rate of 1.76 points per game. This is no given, even with 5 contests against the Vancouver Canucks who are likely off their adrenaline rush after coming back from a long COVID hiatus. Of course, posting four point games as he did last night help tremendously.
According to Sportsnet’s Stats, only nine players have scored 100 points in 56 games with Wayne Gretzky having done it a mind-baffling 11 times. Still, the Great One thinks if anyone can do it, McDavid is the player that can.
“It pushes you. When you’re in the limelight, and you’re always being watched, you want to show people what you can do,” Gretzky said. “He’s taken the city on, the team on, and quite frankly a big part of the league on his shoulders. Obviously Connor is watched every single shift, every period, every game.”
Wayne Gretzky via Sportsnet
McDavid is right back at it tomorrow night against the same Winnipeg Jets. Do you think he can do it? I say that he can absolutely pull this off.
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