Edmonton Oilers: Sam Gagner Continues Historic Hot Streak

Sam Gagner continued his historic hot streak for the Edmonton Oilers against the Detroit Red Wings during Hockey Night in Canada on February 4th. Gagner scored another three points after an astounding eight-point night on February 2nd. 

What's most impressive is that Gagner contributed to the first three Oilers' goals against the Wings. That means he scored a point on 11 straight Oilers' goals. Even more impressive—he did it in three periods of hockey over two games, tallying six goals and five assists in all. 

In the world of sports, that's simply amazing.

Can you imagine Tom Brady throwing a touchdown on 11 straight drives, Michael Jordan dunking on 11 straight touches or Hank Aaron hitting a home run in 11 straight plate appearances? 

Gagner's eight points on eight Oilers' goals against the Chicago Blackhawks on February 2nd tied an NHL record—set by a man named Mario Lemiuex—for most points in a single game while contributing to every team goal.

His eight points also tied a team record held by a couple Hall of Famers named Paul Coffey and Wayne Gretzky.

With the Oilers drafting the likes Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in recent years, Gagner had become something of an afterthought.

Edmonton has had high expectations the last couple of years but has finished as the league's worst team with back-to-back 62-point performances.

After another disappointing start to this season, talk of change is in the Edmonton air. 

Gagner has been mentioned in trade talks recently. After being somewhat of a letdown in his first four-plus seasons in the NHL, Gagner's recent outburst means he's in Edmonton to stay.

The 22-year-old Gagner is in his fifth NHL season already. His sudden explosion is proof that sometimes kids are rushed to the big stage. For a team desperate to win, that happens to kids more than it should. 

While Gagner and the young gang of talent in Edmonton are getting plenty of valuable NHL experience, there's a big difference between getting experience while losing and experiencing winning. 

This season hasn't met expectations, but the future is definitely bright in Edmonton. When this team learns how to win, and it will happen, the NHL may have a dynasty on their hands. 

Now with his emergence, Oilers' fans have faith in Gagner once again. He's a veteran at the age of 22, which can't be said for many.

While the Oilers finally scored a goal without him, Gagner netted a goal in the shootout against the Wings to help the Oilers win, 5-4.  

With a newfound confidence, things can only go up from here for Gagner and the Oilers. 

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