The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal scored by defensemen Mattias Ekholm (14), his third of the game and first career hat-trick, during the third period against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Place. Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Oilers achieve NHL history with hat tricks by key defensemen

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 1:42 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to making goal-scoring history, but they did so in a new way on Monday. Superstar Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl weren't involved, either.

During their 7-4 domination of the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton saw a second skater in as many games record a hat trick. Following up Evan Bouchard's hat trick on Saturday, which helped propel the Oilers to a 6-5 overtime win over the Washington Capitals, Mattias Ekholm found the back of the net three times as well against Anaheim.

These two hat ticks helped get Edmonton back on track after enduring an embarrassing 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins. But they also accomplished both a rarity for the Oilers franchise and a first for the NHL.

Edmonton Oilers' accomplishment a first in NHL history

Bouchard and Ekholm's hat tricks marked the first time a team had defensemen score hat tricks in back-to-back games in NHL history.

NHL Morning Skate – Jan. 27, 2026

▪️ @EdmontonOilers become first team to have a defenseman score a hat trick in consecutive games
▪️ Vasilevskiy passes Nabokov on all-time list in @TBLightning win
▪️ @DallasStars, @StLouisBlues face off on @ESPNPlus #NHLStats:… pic.twitter.com/EvenLgX4Vt
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) January 27, 2026

And just as incredible, their three-goal performances were the first time the Oilers have enjoyed hat tricks in consecutive games in over 30 years, since March 20-22, 1995 to be exact.

Bouchard also added three assists for six points off eight shots as part of his monumental game. He now has 14 goals to go along with his 42 points on the year, putting him on a pace to cruise past his career-high total from last season (67).

Last game it was Evan Bouchard with the hat trick, this time it's Mattias Ekholm.

The @EdmontonOilers recorded a hat trick in consecutive games for the first time since March 20-22, 1995.#NHLStats: https://t.co/g7nlDMapuA pic.twitter.com/gXF8OMk5aT
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) January 27, 2026

In contrast, Ekholm, not as prone to scoring, only posted points off his three goals. He has six goals and 20 assists, which also provide him a potential path to reach a new career-high in points after tallying 45 in 2023-24.

But most importantly for the 27-19-8 Oilers, their recent hat tricks showed they can win without their top stars leading the way. Edmonton is tied with the Las Vegas Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead.

Will a hat trick trifecta occur on Thursday when the Oilers host the San Jose Sharks?

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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