NHL Player News

Horvat scored a power-play goal on three shots in Saturday's 4-3 shootout win over the Canadiens.

Horvat's goal opened the scoring at 14:32 of the first period. Through five games, Horvat has three points, 16 shots on net, three hits and a plus-2 rating. The center is locked in on the first line, though the potential absence of Anthony Duclair (leg) could have a ripple effect through the Islanders' lineup.

Mercer scored a goal on two shots, blocked two shots and went plus-2 in Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Capitals.

Mercer has had an uneven start to the campaign despite consistently playing in a top-six role. His goal Saturday was his second tally and third point of the season, and he's added a modest 10 shots on net, eight blocked shots and a plus-4 rating across eight appearances. Mercer was limited to 33 points during the 2023-24 regular season, down from his 56-point breakout in 2022-23, and his offense isn't trending in the right direction this season.

Howden scored a goal on three shots and blocked three shots in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Panthers.

Howden is up to three goals in six games this season, which is pretty good work for a fourth-liner. He may not stay in that role much longer -- Vegas swapped Howden and Tanner Pearson mid-game Saturday. The Golden Knights' wing depth is a little shaky, so Howden may get a chance to see more middle-six opportunities throughout the year. He brings a physical edge, though he's produced just four hits and five blocked shots in addition to 15 shots on net and a minus-3 rating so far.

Luostarinen scored a goal on two shots and added two hits in Saturday's 4-3 overtime win over the Golden Knights.

There was plenty of ice time available for Luostarinen in a 10-forward lineup, and he logged a season-high 21:47. The 26-year-old has two goals over his last three games, and he's up to three tallies over seven contests this season. He's yet to record an assist, but the Finn has added 11 shots on net, 14 hits and a plus-2 rating while playing in a middle-six role.

Gustafsson (lower body) will play Sunday against Pittsburgh, according to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Gustafsson will make his season debut after missing the first four games. He will replace Rasmus Kupari in Sunday's lineup. The 24-year-old Gustafsson registered three goals, seven points, 27 shots on net, 23 blocked shots and 30 hits across 39 regular-season appearances in 2023-24.

Hyman has not recorded a point over the Oilers' first six games.

Part of Hyman's slow start stems from the Oilers' shaky offense and unusual lack of power-play success. He's produced 14 shots on net, five hits, four PIM and a minus-1 rating, but the winger never went more than three games without a point during the regular season and playoffs in 2023-24. The good news is he's still averaging 19:42 of ice time per game, including 3:53 on the power play, so he remains in a position to turn things around. Just don't expect a repeat of last year's 54-goal regular season.

Draisaitl scored a goal on two shots in Saturday's 4-1 loss to the Stars.

Draisaitl broke up Jake Oettinger's shutout bid at 17:38 of the third period. Through six contests, Draisaitl has done alright with three goals, two assists, 13 shots on net and eight PIM. It's a lower scoring rate than we're used to seeing from the 28-year-old, but with the Oilers shaking off a slow start, it's fair to expect Draisaitl's offense to pick up as the season progresses.

Roslovic scored a goal on two shots in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Blues.

Roslovic got off to a slow start this season with just two shots over his first two outings, but he's been turning things around of late with back-to-back goals in his last two contests while attempting six shots in that span. Roslovic should continue to have plenty of opportunities to produce as a top-six forward, but expectations should be tempered since he's cracked the 40-point mark just twice in his previous eight seasons in the league.

Evans had an assist, three shots, one blocked shot and one hit in Saturday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Islanders.

Evans got control of a missed shot by Josh Anderson and set up Logan Mailloux for Montreal's second goal. It was the second assist in six games for Evans, who is centering the third line between Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher.

Suzuki logged an assist, two shots on goal and two hits in Saturday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Islanders.

Suzuki picked up the secondary helper on Cole Caufield's second goal that tied the game, setting up the overtime and shootout. The assist extended Suzuki's point streak (all assists) to four games. He has five assists through six contests.