Connor McDavid’s Hat Trick Powers Oilers to 6-2 Victory Over Predators

UPDATE: Connor McDavid showcased his elite skills, scoring a hat trick, as the Edmonton Oilers dominated the Nashville Predators with a decisive 6-2 victory on January 6, 2026. This win not only snapped the Oilers’ two-game losing streak but also highlighted McDavid’s incredible form, extending his points streak to 16 games.

McDavid’s performance was pivotal, as he netted three goals, including a crucial penalty shot. Leon Draisaitl supported him with a goal and two assists, while Kasperi Kapanen and Curtis Lazar also contributed to the scoreboard. The Oilers improved their record to 21-16-6, demonstrating their dominance when scoring first—now boasting an impressive 18-1-3 record under those circumstances.

The Predators, now at 19-19-4, struggled to keep pace, with Ryan O’Reilly and Nick Blankenburg finding the back of the net for the visitors. They have lost two of their last three games, raising concerns about their performance amid a fluctuating season.

“It feels great to contribute like that, especially after some tough games,” McDavid said post-game.

The key moment emerged late in the second period when Kapanen, returning after missing 36 games due to injury, scored to give Edmonton a commanding four-goal lead with just over a minute left in the frame. This marked his first goal of the season and showcased the depth and resilience of the Oilers’ lineup.

Key stats reveal Draisaitl’s exceptional record against the Predators—he has now tallied 22 goals and 42 points in his last 16 games against Nashville, dating back to the 2019-20 season. The Oilers have outscored the Predators 72-36 in those matchups, further illustrating their dominance.

In a noteworthy milestone, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recorded his 500th career assist during the game, helping to set up McDavid’s third goal. This achievement adds to the excitement surrounding the Oilers as they continue to build momentum.

Looking ahead, the Predators will host the New York Islanders on Thursday, while the Oilers prepare to visit the Winnipeg Jets on the same day. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if McDavid can maintain his scoring streak and if the Oilers can keep their winning momentum going.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press. Stay tuned for more updates as the NHL season continues to unfold.