A noticeable shift has occurred in Connor McDavid's demeanor and performance this season, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder what's fueling this new intensity. While McDavid has always been known for his exceptional skill and leadership, there's a palpable sense of heightened determination, almost bordering on… well, something we haven't quite seen before.
The Edmonton Oilers captain has been on a tear recently, spearheading his team's climb up the NHL standings. After an uncharacteristically slow start to the season, McDavid has roared back into contention for the league's scoring title. As of December 24, 2025, McDavid is leading the league in points with 67. He has 23 goals and 44 assists through 38 appearances.
McDavid's recent performance includes a dominant showing against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, where he racked up five assists in a 5-1 victory. This performance marked a season-high for points in a game for him and extended his point streak to 11 games. During this streak, he has accumulated 12 goals and 19 assists.
"He's obviously feeling it," teammate Leon Draisaitl said. "We've all seen it plenty of times in his career. The puck is following him right now. He's just too good right now. That's not fun to play against". Draisaitl himself had a hat trick in the same game, contributing to the Oilers' dominant performance.
Some observers have pointed to the perceived slight of falling behind Nathan MacKinnon in the scoring race earlier in the season as a potential catalyst. Others suggest the condensed schedule, with the return of best-on-best international hockey, has ignited a competitive fire within him. Whatever the reason, McDavid's elevated play is undeniable, and he seems driven to prove himself as the league's best player.
This "new" McDavid isn't just about individual stats; it's about leading his team. The Oilers have gone 8-2-1 in their last 11 games, tying them for the top spot in the Pacific Division with the Anaheim Ducks. McDavid's leadership and performance are clearly driving this success. The team's power play has also been a significant factor, operating at a league-best 33.3 percent.
As the Oilers head into the holiday break, the question remains: can McDavid maintain this torrid pace? His current performance is nearly three points per game, a clip that is hard to maintain. If he can, and if this newfound intensity continues to fuel his play, the rest of the league may be in for a long and difficult season. The hockey world will be watching to see if this "man scorned" narrative continues to unfold, driving McDavid and the Oilers to new heights.
