Connor McDavid is making waves at his debut Olympics, already setting a new record for the most points in a single Olympic tournament during the NHL era. With an assist on Canada's opening goal against Finland, McDavid secured his 12th point, surpassing the previous record. He didn't stop there, adding another assist on the game-winning goal, bringing his total to 13 points and further cementing his place in the record books.
The pivotal moment came late in the second period with Canada trailing 2-0. Wearing the captain's 'C' in Sidney Crosby's absence, McDavid showcased his playmaking prowess by feeding Cale Makar. Makar's shot was expertly tipped in by Sam Reinhart, putting Canada on the scoreboard and marking McDavid's record-breaking assist.
Leading Canada's top line, McDavid has been nothing short of spectacular, tallying two goals and 11 assists. His linemate, Macklin Celebrini, is the only other player with double-digit points, boasting a tournament-leading five goals. Celebrini joined McDavid in the spotlight, earning his 10th point with an assist on Nathan MacKinnon’s game-winning goal.
Previously, the points record was held by Finnish legends Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu, who each notched 11 points in the 2006 Turin Olympics. However, the all-time Olympic points record belongs to Canadian Harry Watson, who amassed 37 points at the inaugural Winter Olympics in Chamonix. On the women's side, Sarah Nurse holds the record with 18 points at the 2022 Beijing Games.
McDavid's current form is a continuation of his impressive play. At last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, he recorded three goals and five points in four games, famously netting the golden goal in overtime for Canada.
This year, he's having another standout season with the Edmonton Oilers, boasting 34 goals and 96 points in 58 games. On track for a career-best season, McDavid is proving why he's considered one of the game's elite talents.
Canada now advances to the Final, set to face either Slovakia or the United States for the gold medal. With victories in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, Canada is no stranger to success on this stage, especially with NHL players in the mix. As the team gears up for another potential gold, all eyes will be on McDavid to see if he can continue his record-breaking performance.