So close, yet so far. This was the story of the Edmonton Oilers in 2023-24 season as they lost in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers and fell short.

Just as Connor McDavid is set to return from his three-game suspension to the Edmonton Oilers line-up against Seattle Monday night, hockey’s most venerated commentator Don Cherry has weighed in to condemn the various unpenalized holds and grips Vancouver’s Conor Garland used on McDavid, provoking McDavid to lash pack.

Connor McDavid has now reached 1,044 career points with the Edmonton Oilers, passing Jari Kurri for second place in team history. Wayne Gretzky holds the franchise record with 1,669 points.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid continues to climb up the ... The Oilers all-time points leader is Wayne Gretzky, who put up a mind-boggling 1,669 points in nine seasons with the team.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl scored his 29th goal in the first five minute of a game in a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Connor McDavid continues setting records and moving up scoring ... now has 1,044 points in his 10-year career and trails only Wayne Gretzky on the franchise list. Kurri had 1,043 points in his 10 years with the Oilers, playing on a line with Gretzky ...

Connor McDavid continues setting records and moving ... has 1,044 points in his 10-year career and trails only Wayne Gretzky on the franchise list. Kurri had 1,043 points in his 10 years with ...

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin is happy his team doesn't have to face Connor McDavid on Tuesday night.

Connor McDavid and Corey Perry scored in the second period and the Edmonton Oilers rallied to beat the Seattle Kraken 4-2.

Connor McDavid continues to climb the ranks. In picking up a trio of points in Wednesday’s 5-3 road win over the Minnesota Wild, the Edmonton Oilers captain pushed his career point total to 1,044 and surpassed legendary forward Jari Kurri for second place on the franchise’s all-time scoring list.

* DEVILS GOALIES BEDEVILED: No team over the last decade has suffered more goaltending issues than the Devils. GM Tom Fitzgerald finally solved the problem last summer by making a deal for the very competent Jacob Markstrom. And it worked, as proven by New Jersey's lofty perch in the standings thanks to Marky's fine crease work.

After a shocking trade, the Hurricanes have elevated their chances of winning the Stanley Cup in the 2024-25 NHL season. Which other teams are contenders?