Pittsburgh Penguin’s Sidney Crosby (87) defends against Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (AP Photo)
Leon Draisaitl delivered a milestone night in Edmonton on Tuesday, combining history with dominance. The Oilers star recorded four assists to reach 1,000 career NHL points as Edmonton defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6–4.
The achievement made Draisaitl the fourth-fastest active player to reach the mark. It also placed him among an elite group in league history.
A historic moment for Draisaitl
Draisaitl reached the milestone in the first period with a secondary assist. That point made him the 103rd player in NHL history to hit 1,000 points.
He also became the first German-born player to achieve the feat. Within the Oilers franchise, he is only the fifth player to reach the landmark.
Draisaitl now has 416 goals and 587 assists in 824 career games. His total sits at 1,003 points and counting.
McDavid and Draisaitl dominate again
Connor McDavid matched Draisaitl’s impact with a standout performance of his own. He scored twice and added two assists.
One of his goals came on a highlight-reel power play. McDavid split defenders Erik Karlsson and Parker Wotherspoon before finishing in style.
When McDavid and Draisaitl each record at least three points, the Oilers remain unbeatable. The duo improved to 23-0-0 in such games.
Power play proves decisive
Edmonton’s special teams tilted the game firmly in their favour. The Oilers scored two power-play goals after Pittsburgh took three straight penalties in the first period.
Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard each scored on the man advantage. Both also added an assist in the win.
After Hyman’s goal, the Oilers bench emptied to celebrate Draisaitl’s milestone. Moments later, McDavid struck again on the power play.
Secondary scoring adds depth
Edmonton’s offense went beyond its superstars. Matt Savoie and Vasily Podkolzin also found the back of the net.
The Oilers have now won six of their last nine games. The stretch reflects growing consistency as the season progresses.
Penguins’ struggles continue
Pittsburgh received goals from Tommy Novak, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, and Danton Heinen. Despite the effort, the Penguins could not halt their slide.
The loss marked Pittsburgh’s sixth straight defeat. It also capped a five-game homestand without a single win, a first in franchise history.
Sidney Crosby picked up an assist in the game. He now sits one point away from tying Mario Lemieux’s franchise record of 1,723 points.
A rare goalie storyline
The game featured a unique NHL first. Two goaltenders involved in the same trade faced each other within seven days.
Tristan Jarry, recently acquired by Edmonton, stopped 26 shots to earn his second win with the Oilers. Stuart Skinner made 17 saves in his debut for Pittsburgh.
Early drama sets the tone
Pittsburgh thought it had opened the scoring midway through the first period. Justin Brazeau’s goal at 7:55 was overturned after a coach’s challenge for offside.
That moment shifted momentum toward Edmonton. The Oilers capitalised soon after with disciplined pressure and lethal special teams.
Looking ahead
The Oilers continue their road swing on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. Edmonton will look to build on its recent momentum.
The Penguins travel to Ottawa on Thursday, searching for answers after a difficult homestand.
For Edmonton, the night belonged to Leon Draisaitl. History arrived quietly on an assist, then echoed loudly in a statement win.
