Special record: Edmonton's Defenders are suddenly the stars

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are the two superstars of the Edmonton Oilers. But now, for once, they have been overshadowed by a curious record held by their defensemen.

27 January 2026

From: det

When you think of the Edmonton Oilers, two superstars immediately spring to mind in the vast world of hockey: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. For years, these two forwards have been dominating the NHL. This season alone, they have racked up 92 (McDavid) and 74 (Draisaitl) points, respectively.

But on Monday night, their teammates on defense put on a spectacular offensive show. In a 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the Oilers defensemen scored four goals in just 3 minutes and 49 seconds.

Mattias Ekholm shone with a hat trick. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / EMILEE CHINN

These were the fastest four goals in NHL history ever scored by defensemen. Spencer Stastney (24.36), Mattias Ekholm (26.28), Darnell Nurse (27.34), and Ekholm again (28.25) set the new record. Ekholm later completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal.

However, the Draisaitl-McDavid magic couldn't be entirely absent. Draisaitl set up four goals, making him his team's top scorer, while McDavid contributed one goal and one assist.

NHL, last night's games

Edmonton Oilers – Anaheim Ducks 7:4
New York Rangers – Boston Bruins 4:3 aet
Philadelphia Flyers – New York Islanders 0:4
Tampa Bay Lightning – Utah Mammoth 2-0

Keywords hockey NHL Edmonton Oilers