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Can McDavid Score 150 Points This Season? |
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In case you are new to hockey, Connor McDavid is kind of good at the sport. Last season McDavid did what many thought was impossible by scoring over 100 points in 56 games. While it might not have the same ring to it as 50 in 39, 100 in 53 will be remembered for years to come. The question now is can we see McDavid improve even further? Can the captain of the Edmonton Oilers score 150 points in 82 games this season?
A quick history lesson, the last player to score over 150 points in a season was Mario Lemiuex back in 95/96 where he scored 161 points in 70 games. McDavid's current career high is 116 points in 78 games so clearly he has a long way to go but the Oilers captain scored only 11 fewer points than that last season in a mere 56 games. Pro-rate that over a full season and we do reach the magical number of 150.
Now let's quickly address some of the arguments that the naysayers will have. The most often heard complaint I have witnessed is people saying McDavid was only able to score 105 points in 56 games is because the North Division was so bad. Let's take a closer look at that fact. Here are the goals against for the bottom 10 teams in the NHL last season. The bold ones are the teams that played in the North Division.
Arizona Coyotes - 176
Anaheim Ducks - 179
Chicago Blackhawks - 186
Columbus Blue Jackets - 187
Vancouver Canucks - 188
Ottawa Senators - 190
New Jersey Devils - 194
San Jose Sharks - 199
Buffalo Sabres - 199
Philadelphia Flyers - 201
Now the bottom 10 teams in the standings last season:
22) Arizona
23) Ottawa
24) Vancouver
25) Los Angeles
26) San Jose
27) Detroit
28) Columbus
29) New Jersey
30) Anaheim
31) Buffalo
And the bottom 10 teams in goal differential:
Los Angeles: -27
Ottawa: -33
Vancouver: -37
Philadelphia: -38
Detroit: -44
San Jose: -48
New Jersey: -49
Columbus: -50
Anaheim: -53
Buffalo: -61
The Senators and Canucks did have bad seasons in the North Division but a good reason Vancouver finished where they did was due to COVID issues and a compressed schedule to end the season. Had it not been for that fact I think they may have edged themselves off of these lists. The point is that while the North Division was not drastically worse than any other division.
A Division that might be worse than any other Division this season could very well be the new Pacific Division. Aside from the Golden Knights, who in my opinion also took a step back this season, there aren't many teams that look posed to be a dominant force. The one wild card will be the Kraken but aside from a solid defensive group there are big concerns about their ability to score goals. McDavid will play these teams at least 4 or 5 times this year.
Even with all of these details in mind, reaching 150 points is still a lofty goal. The fact that I am even discussing it should say everything that needs to be said about Connor McDavid. From the moment he has entered the NHL he has been a one man highlight reel and continuously finding ways to impress fans. This might just be his next big moment.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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