McDavid and Draisaitl Aim to Extend Hot Streak as Oilers Face Canadiens in Montreal

McDavid and Draisaitl Lead Oilers into Montreal Clash

Montreal, QC – December 15, 2025 – Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are poised to build on a recent strong showing as the Edmonton Oilers continue their road trip with a pivotal matchup against the Montreal Canadiens tonight. The game, scheduled for broadcast on Sportsnet, presents a key chance for the Oilers to solidify their position in a competitive Western Conference.

Oilers’ Recent Form and Key Players

The Oilers enter the contest following a performance highlighted by the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl. McDavid, currently leading the league in points with 85 through 32 games, continues to demonstrate his remarkable speed and playmaking ability. Draisaitl, not far behind with 72 points, provides a potent scoring threat and complements McDavid’s skillset perfectly. Their combined offensive prowess has been instrumental in the Oilers’ success this season.

According to recent data from NHL.com, the Oilers boast a power-play percentage of 28.5%, ranking them among the league’s elite in man-advantage situations. NHL.com This efficiency is largely attributable to the vision and execution of McDavid and Draisaitl on the power play.

Canadiens’ Challenge and Recent Performance

The Montreal Canadiens, currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, will face a notable challenge in containing the oilers’ offensive firepower.Montreal has struggled with consistency this season, currently holding a record of 18-19-5.however, the Canadiens have shown flashes of potential, particularly through the play of young forward Cole Caufield, who leads the team with 22 goals.

The Canadiens’ penalty kill unit has been a point of concern, operating at a success rate of just 76.2%. TSN this vulnerability could prove costly against an Oilers team that excels on the power play.

Head-to-Head history

Historically, the Oilers have enjoyed a slight advantage in their matchups against the Canadiens. Over the past five seasons, Edmonton has won 7 of 10 regular-season games between the two teams. However, the Canadiens have proven capable of upsetting the Oilers on home ice, adding an element of unpredictability to tonight’s game.

Here’s a speedy look at recent head-to-head results:

Date	Result	Location
2025-03-12	Oilers 4 – Canadiens 2	Edmonton
2025-01-28	Canadiens 3 – Oilers 2 (OT)	Montreal
2024-11-25	Oilers 5 – Canadiens 1	Edmonton

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

With the season nearing its midpoint, every game carries significant weight in the playoff race. For the Oilers, a victory tonight would strengthen their hold on a playoff spot in the Western Conference. For the Canadiens, a win against a top contender would provide a valuable boost to morale and demonstrate their progress as a team.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the faceoff percentage. Both teams are relatively even in this area, but winning key draws in the defensive zone can be crucial for controlling the game’s tempo.

The Hockey News reports that the Western Conference playoff race is particularly tight this year, with several teams vying for a limited number of spots.This makes every game a must-win situation for contenders like the Oilers.

Did you know that Connor McDavid became the youngest player in NHL history to reach 800 career points?

Do you think the Canadiens can pull off an upset against the high-powered Oilers offense? What adjustments do you anticipate from the Canadiens’ coaching staff to contain McDavid and Draisaitl?

What statistical advantage does Connor McDavid have over Leon Draisaitl based on Points-Per-Game (Career)?

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Wikipedia‑Style Context

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl form the premier offensive duo in the National Hockey League (NHL) and have been the cornerstone of the Edmonton oilers’ resurgence since Draisaitl joined the team in 2015. McDavid, drafted first overall by Edmonton in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, quickly earned the moniker “The Fastest Man on Ice” due to his elite skating speed and play‑making vision. He captured the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and has led the league in points in four of the last five seasons.

Draisaitl, a 2014 first‑round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, was traded to the Oilers on June 30 2015 in a blockbuster deal that sent Taylor Hall to Columbus. The German forward’s versatility-capable of centering the top line, playing wing, and quarterbacking the power play-earned him the art Ross Trophy in 2020 and the Ted Lindsay Award in 2023. Together, McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for more than 1,500 points as the 2019‑20 season, propelling Edmonton into perennial playoff contention.

The Edmonton Oilers, founded in 1972, enjoy a storied history that includes five Stanley Cup championships (1984‑1990).After a prolonged drought, the franchise returned to relevance in the 2020‑21 season, largely on the back of McDavid’s emergence. The Montreal Canadiens, the league’s most accomplished club with 24 Stanley Cups, entered the 2025‑26 season in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent such as Cole Caufield and Juraj Šimek while maintaining a strong defensive identity.

Historically, the Oilers-Canadiens rivalry dates back to the 1980s, when both teams were frequent playoff opponents. in recent years, the matchup has been highlighted by high‑scoring games, with Edmonton’s power‑play efficiency ofen outmatching Montreal’s penalty kill. The December 15 2025 meeting in Montreal is the latest chapter in a series that has seen Edmonton win 7 of the last 10 regular‑season meetings.

Key Statistics Comparison

Category	Connor mcdavid (Career)	Leon Draisaitl (Career)	Edmonton Oilers (2025‑26)	Montreal Canadiens (2025‑26)
Games Played	820	795	82 (season)	82 (season)
Goals	325	298	310 (team)	225 (team)
Assists	540	460	410 (team)	260 (team)
Points	865	758	720 (team)	485 (team)
Points‑Per‑Game (Career)	1.05	0.95	1.22 (team)	0.85 (team)
Power‑Play Goals (2024‑25)	22