NHL Playoffs Buildup: McDavid Targets 4th Straight Multi-Point Game Vs. Struggling Sabres

The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs are just around the corner, and fans are eagerly waiting to see which teams will make a deep run in the postseason. For the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid is on a mission to get his team back into the playoffs for the first time since 2017. McDavid, widely regarded as one of the top players in the league, has been on a tear lately, and his team is counting on him to carry them to the postseason.

The Oilers are currently third in the Pacific Division, just two points behind the second-place Vancouver Canucks. With 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Oilers have a tough road ahead of them, but McDavid is confident that they can make a push for the playoffs. "We're in a good position, but we need to take care of business," McDavid said in a recent interview. "We can't control what other teams are doing, but we can control how we play. If we can play our best hockey, I'm confident we can make a deep run in the playoffs."

One thing that has been on McDavid's mind lately is his streak of multi-point games. The 24-year-old has now recorded 14 multi-point games this season, including five in a row, and he's looking to extend that streak against the struggling Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are last in the North Division, with just 42 points in 44 games, and are desperate for a win to turn their season around.

NHL Playoffs Chances: A Closer Look

While the Oilers are certainly a contender for a playoff spot, they still have a long way to go. Here are a few key statistics that highlight their chances:

• Record: 41-21-10 (92 points)
• Place in standings: 3rd in Pacific Division
• Points available: 10 games remaining in the regular season
• Wins required: 4-6 to secure a playoff spot

The Oilers have been playing some of the best hockey of their season lately, with a 9-2-1 record over their last 12 games. However, they still have a tough schedule ahead of them, with games against teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights.

McDavid's Streak Continues

McDavid's multi-point streak has been a defining characteristic of his season, and he's looking to extend it against the Sabres. Here are a few highlights from his streak:

• Multi-point games: 14 this season
• Points per game: 1.3 points per game
• Goals per game: 0.8 goals per game
• Assists per game: 0.5 assists per game

McDavid's ability to score and create for his teammates has been a key factor in the Oilers' success this season. He's always been a prolific goal-scorer, but his assist numbers have improved significantly over the past few seasons.

McDavid's Top Assists

• 4 assists vs. Boston Bruins (Feb 2)
• 3 assists vs. Vancouver Canucks (Feb 14)
• 2 assists vs. Calgary Flames (Jan 26)
• 2 assists vs. Ottawa Senators (Jan 10)
• 2 assists vs. Arizona Coyotes (Jan 2)

The Sabres Struggle

The Sabres, on the other hand, have been one of the worst teams in the league this season. Here are a few key statistics that highlight their struggles:

• Record: 21-22-11 (53 points)
• Place in standings: 4th in North Division
• Points available: 8 games remaining in the regular season
• Losses in a row: 0 (but looking to end a 6-game losing streak)

The Sabres have been plagued by injuries to key players, including star forward Jack Eichel, who has missed 14 games this season. They've also struggled to score goals, averaging just 2.3 goals per game, which is the fewest in the league.

Sabres' Top Scorers

• Alex Galchenyuk (22 goals, 17 assists)
• Jeff Skinner (18 goals, 20 assists)
• Casey Mittelstadt (10 goals, 17 assists)
• Sam Reinhart (8 goals, 16 assists)
• Zemgus Girgensons (8 goals, 14 assists)

The Road to the Playoffs

While the Oilers are certainly in the mix for a playoff spot, they still have a tough road ahead of them. Here are a few key factors that will determine their chances:

• Strength of schedule: The Oilers have a relatively tough schedule remaining, with games against the Maple Leafs and the Golden Knights.
• Injuries to key players: The Oilers have been fortunate to have their key players healthy, but injuries could play a major role in their playoff chances.
• _Goaltending:** The Oilers have been fortunate to have goalie Mikko Koskinen, who has been one of the top goalies in the league this season. However, if he goes down, the team's chances could take a hit.

Oil and Fire

• Oilers' past playoff performances:
  • 2017: Lost in first round to the Nashville Predators
  • 2016: Lost in second round to the Calgary Flames
  • 2015: Lost in first round to the Chicago Blackhawks
• Key players to watch:
  • Connor McDavid
  • Leon Draisaitl
  • Darnell Nurse