NHL Player News

Husso stopped both shots he faced in relief of Lukas Dostal in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers.

Husso played the third period after Dostal gave up five goals in the middle frame. This was the first action of the year for Husso, and it'll serve as a tune-up with the 31-year-old likely to start over the weekend. The Ducks have a back-to-back upcoming, as they'll play in Winnipeg on Friday and then in Calgary on Saturday. Beyond that back-to-back, Husso is likely to resume serving in a backup role.

Dostal allowed five goals on 17 shots in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Oilers.

Dostal was pulled after the Oilers put up a five-spot in the second period against him. Ville Husso played the third period and made two saves. This was the first rough patch of the year for Dostal, who is 2-1-0 with 10 goals allowed on 78 shots over three games. He'll likely start one of the next two games -- the Ducks have a road back-to-back up next with stops in Winnipeg on Friday and Calgary on Saturday.

Draisaitl recorded four assists, two shots on goal, two hits and a plus-4 rating in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

Draisaitl played facilitator during the Oilers' five-goal second period, assisting on all of their even-strength tallies. All of the helpers were primary assists. Draisaitl hasn't gotten quite as much buzz as Connor McDavid or Evan Bouchard to start the year, but he's been virtually just as important. Draisaitl has three goals, six assists, 17 shots on net, three hits and a plus-8 rating over four contests this season.

Kapanen scored a power-play goal on three shots and blocked two shots in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

Kapanen's tally was the 100th of his career. The 30-year-old winger has earned three points this season, including two on the power play and one while shorthanded. He's currently filling in on the top power-play unit, which will be a short-term boost in value until the Oilers get Zach Hyman (undisclosed), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (lower body) or Matt Savoie (lower body) back. Kapanen has added eight shots on net, five hits, three blocked shots and a minus-4 rating while skating on the second line at even strength.

Podkolzin scored a goal on three shots, added five hits and went plus-3 in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

Podkolzin continues to thrive on the Oilers' top line alongside the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The 25-year-old Podkolzin is riding a four-game point streak to start the season, earning four goals, two assists, 16 shots on net, 18 hits and a plus-6 rating. He's been one of the quickest risers in fantasy this season, and his hot start could help him stay in the top six all year.

McDavid scored a goal, dished two assists (including one on the power play), added two hits and went plus-4 in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

McDavid has multiple points in all four of the Oilers' games this season. The 29-year-old superstar has three goals, nine assists, eight shots on net, four hits, three blocked shots and a plus-11 rating. McDavid is already in his usual spot atop the points leaderboard, though this pace is above even his lofty abilities. He'll be a force on offense all season as long as he avoids injuries.

Bouchard scored twice on four shots, added a power-play assist and went plus-4 in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

Bouchard was right in the middle of the Oilers' five-goal second period. The 26-year-old defenseman is the first blueliner to cross the 10-point mark this year, doing so with six goals, five assists, 16 shots on net and a plus-10 rating over four appearances. There's been no slow start on offense in Edmonton this season, and Bouchard's strong play cements his status as one of the top blueliners in the league.

Levi allowed two goals on 31 shots in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks.

Beckett Sennecke scored twice in the first period, but Levi locked in over the final 40 minutes. The Oilers' offense also stepped up with a five-goal second period to give him support. Levi has won all three of his starts so far despite allowing 10 goals on 73 shots in those games. The Oilers' next game is Saturday versus the Sharks, and if Levi gets the start and plays well in that one, he may be considered the early leader for the No. 1 job between the pipes in Edmonton.

Svechkov scored a goal on two shots, dished an assist, added two PIM and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Jets.

Svechkov has opened the season as the Avalanche's third-line center. The 23-year-old typically plays more of a defensive role, so it's unlikely he'll be a major force on offense. These were his first two points of the season, and he's added four shots on net, two blocked shots, one hit and a plus-3 rating over three appearances.

Schwartz scored a goal on two shots, added an assist, doled out two hits and went plus-2 in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Jets.

Schwartz has picked up a pair of multi-point efforts through three games. His opening tally Wednesday was his first goal of the year to go with three assists, seven shots on net, four hits and an even plus-minus rating. The 34-year-old Schwartz isn't exactly in the best spot for offense, serving as a third-line winger, but he's getting the job done for now alongside Fedor Svechkov and T.J. Hughes.