Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the best duo in the history of the NHL. They have had plenty of moments where they shine over everyone else. Over the past few years, hockey fans have been lucky enough to witness many clutch goals from McDavid and Draisaitl.
After winning Game 1, the duo added to their list of historic moments. Let’s take a look at the top five McDrai goals of all time.
Draisaitl OT winner, 2025 SCF, Game 1
First on our list is the most recent goal. The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers were in a fight to win the all-important Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Both teams had their bright spots in the game, but it was tied at 3–3 heading into overtime. Fatigue began to take its toll on the game, and it ultimately paid off for the Oilers. Panthers forward Thomas Nosek took a delay-of-game penalty in the final minutes of the first overtime period. Here, McDavid set up Draisaitl with a beautiful saucer pass to finish Game 1.
This was easily the biggest win in recent history for the Oilers. Looking back at the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, it was huge for the Panthers to win Game 1. Last year, the Oilers fell behind 3–0 in the series, which is nearly impossible to come back from. McDavid and Draisaitl got the Oilers a huge boost of momentum to start the series.
McDavid goal, 2024 Conference Final, Game 6
One of the nicest goals of McDavid’s career game in Game 6 of the 2024 Conference Final. The Oilers were on home ice, looking to advance to the Stanley Cup Final. McDavid got things started in the first period with a jaw-dropping goal to give the Oilers an early lead. He toe-dragged star defenceman Miro Heiskanen and buried a backhand top-corner on Jake Oettinger. This was a huge goal as the Oilers got severely outplayed in this game.
This was the final mark on an epic journey to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. At that moment, it was the biggest goal of McDavid’s career. This sent the Oilers to their first finals appearance since 2006 against the Carolina Hurricanes. McDavid led the way for the Oilers when he needed to and won the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the MVP of the playoffs.
McDavid OT Winner, 2022 second round, Game 5
The third goal on our list is the one that began the serious cup-contending talks about the Oilers. It was Game 5 of the 2022 second round against the rival Calgary Flames. This was prime time in the Battle of Alberta as both teams had legit star power and were contending for the Stanley Cup. Matthew Tkachuk played a key role in igniting this rivalry. Unfortunately for him, it was the Oilers that would get the last laugh in the playoffs.
After an intense four games, the Oilers found themselves up 3–1 in the series. Game 5 went into overtime after Blake Coleman’s goal was called back due to a kicking motion. In overtime, Draisaitl made a slick feed to McDavid, who buried the series-winning goal on Jacob Markstrom. This goal provided a massive step for the Oilers, who made the Conference Final for the first time since 2006. They went on to get swept by the Colorado Avalanche in the third round, but it was the demise of the Flames that made this goal so clutch.
Draisaitl OT winner, 2025 second round, Game 2
Next up on our list is another overtime goal from this year’s insane playoff run. McDavid and Draisaitl were on the verge of taking a 2–0 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights in round two of the playoffs. The Oilers were gifted with a five-minute power play in overtime. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on this, giving the Knights a chance to even up the series. This game was going to provide a significant momentum shift for the winning team. Once again, it was McDavid and Draisaitl who took over the series.
About 15 minutes into the first overtime period, McDavid picked the puck up with a head of steam. He dangled past Jack Eichel and set up Draisaitl for a highlight-reel goal. With a commanding 2–0 lead in the series, it was over. The Oilers cruised past the Knights in five games, proving that they are the best team in the Pacific Division. Another second-round victory set them up with a rematch from last year’s conference final opponent, the Dallas Stars.
Draisaitl goal, 2023 second round, Game 1
The last goal on our list is from Game 1 against the Golden Knights in 2023. Oiler fans may remember that they lost this game, but it was still a historic night in Oiler history. Draisaitl scored four goals in the game, becoming the second player to do so in as many days. Joe Pavelski of the Dallas Stars scored four goals the night before, making a crazy stat that is rarely seen. Back-to-back four goals games in the playoffs is a rare sight, making it the last spot on our list.
The Oilers found themselves down a couple of goals in the third period until they got an odd-man rush. McDavid entered the zone, slowing down a bit before sending a perfect pass to Draisaitl for a beautiful one-timer. Draisaitl netted his fourth goal of the game, making it one of the best playoff performances of all time. The Knights went on to win the game, spoiling Draisaitl’s historic night.
So, which one of these historic goals is your favourite? Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final takes place on Friday at 6:00 pm MT.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
