Sam Gagner (C) talks with linemates Jordan Eberle (L) and Taylor Hall on the bench after scoring his fourth goal against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Sam Gagner (C) talks with linemates Jordan Eberle (L) and Taylor Hall on the bench after scoring his fourth goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. REUTERS

Edmonton Oilers forward Sam Gagner had a career night on Thursday, notching eight points, four goals and four assists, in an 8-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Gagner won the first, second and third star of the game for his efforts.

The eight-point effort by Gagner marked the 16th time in NHL history that a player had achieved such a scoring effort. With four goals and four assists, Gagner was the first to join the eight-point club since Mario Lemieux accomplished it three times -- twice in 1988 and once in 1989.

Surprisingly, eight points in a single game is not an NHL record. Darryl Sittler once tallied ten for the Maple Leafs in 1976.

Entering Thursday night's game, Gagner was having a subpar season. He had recorded just five goals and 22 points in 43 games before the Blackhawks and Oilers faced off.

Gagner was on pace for one of his worst pro seasons while rumors swirled in Edmonton that the Oilers were shopping him ahead of the Feb. 27 deadline.

Gagner's performance might give the OIlers second thoughts about dealing him.

The eight point barrage was even more impressive in light of the fact that he didn't register his first point until the 17:48 mark of the second period then he lit up the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.