McDavid reaches the 50 goal plateau for the 1st time in his career as the Oilers beat the Bruins

The Boston Bruins continue to set the most menacing pace ever.

Pavel Zacha’s late second-period goal proved to be the game-winner as the Bruins continued their impressive season with a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. With the win they became the fastest team to record 46 wins in NHL history, needing just 59 games to do so.

“We have a lot of guys in our locker room that know how to play the right way and know how to close games,” said Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, who improved his team to an impressive 32-0-2 record and they lead after 40. minutes.

“I think we are proud of our process and what we have been allowed to do and be, but I still think there is room to grow,” said Foligno. “I still think there are a few areas where we can be better. I’m not trying to be tacky, it’s just the reality of our team.

“I don’t think anyone is happy here, I think we’re very excited about our group, but I think we all know there’s more to do. That’s the mindset that allowed us to be successful we had.”

Connor McDavid scored twice to reach 50 goals on the season for the Oilers (32-21-8), who lost two goals, but still managed to go 11-4-6 in their last 21 outings.

SEE | Oilers McDavid reaches 50-goal plateau for 1st time in career:

Oilers McDavid reaches 50 goals in a season for the first time in his career

Edmonton captain Connor McDavid scored his 50th goal in his 61st game of the season.

“It’s disappointing, obviously,” McDavid said. “They are the best team in the league. I thought we played them hard and gave ourselves a chance to win.

“It’s good that we have our confidence that we know we can play them. They’re the best in the league and we played them. That’s a good sign.”

The scoring got off to a quick start in an exciting first period.

McDavid took a long stretch pass from Leon Draisaitl up the left boards before cutting in and beating Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman through the legs 2:17 into the opening frame for his series-leading 49th goal.

SEE | Zacha leads Bruins over Oilers:

Zacha lifts Bruins over Oilers for 7th straight win

Edmonton leads NHL 3-2 with Pavel Zacha’s game-winning goal late in the second period.

The Bruins answered just 13 seconds later when a defensive giveaway ended and the puck was deflected forward to Nosek, who put his fourth of the season past Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner.

Boston took the lead with just under five minutes to play in the first with some nice give-and-go play as Charlie Coyle made a nice feed to Foligno, who beat Skinner’s stick side for his 10th.

Edmonton tied it at 12:20 of the second period with the teams playing four players aside when Klim Kostin came out of the box trying to pass the puck to McDavid who deflected Swayman with a deck to record his 50th goal in 61st game. the season. Only Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri have reached the mark faster in Oilers history. It was also McDavid’s eighth goal in the last four games.

“He just drives our team,” said Oilers forward Zach Hyman. “He’s the best player in the world. He’s humble about it. He’s really taken a step towards attacking the net more and taking it on himself and I think you can see the results. “

SEE | McDavid scores twice as Oilers come up short against Blue Jackets:

McDavid scores twice, Blue Jackets thwart Oilers comeback

Connor McDavid had his second straight four-point game but the Oilers couldn’t complete the comeback after he scored up to four points.

Boston made it 3-2 with just 30 seconds to play in the second, when Zacha made a diving puck to beat Skinner’s own tap check attempt and chipped it over his shoulder and into the net for his 14th.

Kostin, who was assessed a major penalty for a hit on David Krejci before a review showed he was hit by Boston’s own first baseman, declined any penalties, then took a groundout double to a high-sticking Patrice Bergeron late in the third. to prevent Edmonton from tying the game, as the third remained scoreless.

The Bruins are right back at it on Tuesday, finishing a four-game swing against Pacific Division teams in Calgary against the Flames.

The Oilers play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, the second game of a three-game home stand.