TAIT’S EIGHT: McDavid’s Milestone Makes for Incredible Night at Rogers Place
Edmonton, AB – July 4, 2025
There are games that go down in the win column. Then, there are nights that etch themselves into hockey lore. Thursday evening at Rogers Place was one of the latter—a spectacle of brilliance, grit, emotion, and a milestone that will be replayed for years to come. In a dazzling 8-point performance, Connor McDavid once again proved why he’s not only the heartbeat of the Edmonton Oilers but also a generational icon the sport will never forget.
A Night for the Ages
With fans still trickling into their seats, McDavid wasted no time reminding everyone what he’s capable of. Less than two minutes into the first period, he sliced through the opposition like a hot knife through butter, setting up Evan Bouchard for the opening goal. That assist—his 1000th NHL point—set off an eruption inside Rogers Place that rivaled a playoff victory. The crowd stood for several minutes, chanting “M-V-P!” as his teammates swarmed him on the ice.
But McDavid wasn’t done. Not even close.
By the end of the night, the scoreboard read 8–3 in favor of the Oilers, and McDavid had either scored or assisted on every single Edmonton goal. Four goals and four assists marked the first time in modern NHL history that a player was involved in all eight goals in a single game—a feat that will likely become known as “Tait’s Eight,” in honor of legendary broadcaster Rod Phillips’ successor, Dan Tait, who called the game with raw emotion and pride.
The Milestone Moment
McDavid’s 1000th point came in his 778th NHL game—putting him among the fastest to reach that milestone, behind only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and a select few others. But the context makes it even more impressive: he’s done it in an era of tight checking, top-tier goaltending, and high-intensity systems built to neutralize stars.
After the game, McDavid reflected humbly on his achievement.
> “It’s something you dream about as a kid. I’m grateful to have had great teammates, incredible support from the fans, and the chance to wear the Oilers crest every night,” he said. “Tonight was special—but it’s not just about me. It’s about this group, this city, and where we’re going together.”
Teammates in Awe
The Oilers locker room postgame was filled with emotion. Leon Draisaitl, who had a goal and two assists of his own, didn’t hold back his admiration.
> “Connor makes everyone around him better,” Draisaitl said. “We’re witnessing greatness night after night. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—there’s no one like him.”
Veteran Corey Perry, who scored the team’s final goal off a no-look McDavid pass, called the performance “a privilege to witness.”
> “I’ve played a long time and seen a lot of elite players. What Connor did tonight? That’s legendary stuff,” Perry said.
Coach Knoblauch Weighs In
Head coach Kris Knoblauch, now deep into his second season with the club, was visibly emotional in the postgame presser.
> “You try not to take it for granted—but when you coach a player like Connor, you realize quickly that you’re witnessing something historic almost every week,” Knoblauch said. “Tonight was different. It was poetic.”
Knoblauch also pointed out that McDavid’s defensive play and leadership set the tone early, something often overlooked in the shadow of his offensive wizardry.
Fans Soaked It All In
From the rafters to the front row, Rogers Place buzzed with electricity all night. Thousands remained long after the final horn, hoping to catch a glimpse of the milestone puck being handed off, or to hear the captain’s name echoed in chants one more time. Jerseys flew in the air, fans hugged, and even rival supporters in attendance had to tip their caps.
One young fan, 10-year-old Liam Peters, summed it up best:
> “I got to see my hero do something no one else ever did. I’ll never forget it.”
What’s Next?
The Oilers continue their homestand against the Calgary Flames on Saturday, but it’ll be hard to top what the hockey world witnessed on Thursday. McDavid, now with 1,007 points and counting, remains locked in on one thing: bringing the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
And if this night was any indication, he’s not just chasing the dream—he’s carrying it, one historic moment at a time.
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Final Tally for McDavid:
4 Goals
4 Assists
1,000th Career NHL Point
First Player in Modern Era to Record 8 Points on All Team Goals in a Single Game
Welcome to Tait’s Eight. Edmonton will be talking about it forever.