NHL Player News
-
Jacob Fowler G | MON
Canadiens' Jacob Fowler: Beats Pens in NHL debut
Fowler made 36 saves in a 4-2 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday. It was his NHL debut.
The Pens didn't solve him until the third period, and the second goal came on a late power play. In other words, Fowler was exceptional. "I mean, I could have played anywhere tonight," Fowler said after the game. "And to get your first win, it's going to be special. But been to a lot of games here. Grew up a Pittsburgh fan. (Sidney) Crosby and (Marc-Andre) Fleury were my favorite players growing up." Fowler made seven saves on Crosby. The 21-year-old Fowler was selected in the third round (No. 69) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He is considered the Habs' goalie of the future.
-
Leon Draisaitl C | EDM
Oilers' Leon Draisaitl: Provides pair of helpers
Draisaitl logged two assists, including one on the power play, in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Red Wings.
Draisaitl had a hand in the first and last goals of the game, both scored by Zach Hyman. Over the last four contests, Draisaitl has two goals and seven assists. The 30-year-old is up to a total of 40 points (17 goals, 23 helpers), 79 shots on net and a plus-8 rating across 31 appearances this season.
-
Connor McDavid C | EDM
Oilers' Connor McDavid: Quartet of helpers in win
McDavid notched four assists, four shots on goal and a plus-3 rating in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Red Wings.
McDavid had the primary helper on each of the Oilers' goals, three from Zach Hyman and one from Mattias Ekholm. This was McDavid's fourth multi-point effort in a row, a span in which he's racked up five goals and seven assists. The 28-year-old superstar is up to 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists), 19 power-play points, 97 shots on net and a minus-2 rating across 31 outings overall.
-
Alex Nedeljkovic G | SJ
Sharks' Alex Nedeljkovic: Shuts door on Leafs at right time
Nedeljkovic made 28 saves in a 3-2 overtime win over Toronto on Thursday.
He allowed a deflected goal in the first period and a power-play snipe by Auston Matthews in the second. Nedeljkovic then buckled down and gave his mates a shot at the win. He is 2-1-0 in three starts since Sunday. He has allowed six goals.
-
Mattias Ekholm D | EDM
Oilers' Mattias Ekholm: Deposits goal in win
Ekholm scored a goal on two shots, added two PIM and blocked two shots in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Red Wings.
While Zach Hyman had a hat trick for the Oilers, Ekholm's goal was their game-winner. The defenseman has two goals and seven assists over his last eight contests, as he's greatly benefited from the team's improved offense. He's up to three goals, 16 points, 63 shots on net, 25 hits, 53 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating through 31 outings overall. Ekholm is a mainstay in Edmonton's top four and offers all-around production in fantasy.
-
Dmitry Orlov D | SJ
Sharks' Dmitry Orlov: First goal of season
Orlov scored a goal Thursday in a 3-2 overtime win over the Maple Leafs.
It was his first goal of the season. Orlov has 17 points, including 16 helpers, in 32 games so far. He's on pace for his first 40-plus point seasons. Orlov clearly likes the sand between his toes on off days -- San Jose is a fit for the small defender.
-
Zach Hyman C | EDM
Oilers' Zach Hyman: Posts hat trick against Detroit
Hyman scored three goals on seven shots and went plus-3 in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Red Wings.
Hyman scored once in each period to produce a hat trick. His first goal was on the power play, and his third was an empty-netter. The 33-year-old winger is up to five goals and two assists over his last six outings and should continue to offer steady offense in a top-line role. Overall, he's at nine points, 30 shots on net, 26 hits and a plus-1 rating across 12 appearances this season after having his debut delayed by his recovery from wrist surgery.
-
Stuart Skinner G | EDM
Oilers' Stuart Skinner: Steady in Thursday's win
Skinner stopped 27 of 28 shots in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Red Wings.
Skinner bounced back from an overtime loss to the Oilers on Tuesday, picking up his fourth win in his last seven outings. The 27-year-old netminder has allowed one goal or less in three of those games. For the season, he's at an 11-8-4 record with a 2.83 GAA and an .891 save percentage through 23 starts. Skinner won't always have the most stable ratios, but the Oilers' offense gives him a good chance to collect wins. They're back in action with a back-to-back this weekend, visiting Toronto on Saturday and Montreal on Sunday. Skinner and Calvin Pickard will likely split those games.
-
Joel Kiviranta LW | COL
Avalanche's Joel Kiviranta: Sustains upper-body injury
Kiviranta (upper body) will be evaluated Friday after leaving Thursday's game versus the Panthers following the first period, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports.
Kiviranta's injury doesn't appear to be overly concerning at this time, so he can be labeled day-to-day until a firmer timeline is available. If he misses time, Zakhar Bardakov will likely fill in as a fourth-line option.
-
Alex Wennberg C | SJ
Sharks' Alexander Wennberg: Nets winner in three-point effort
Wennberg scored a goal and added two assists in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over Toronto.
Wennberg's goal won the game. It came on a jam play at the net that needed video review to make sure it wasn't offside. Wennberg has five points, including two goals, in his last three games. Overall, he has seven goals, 11 assists and 37 shots in 32 games.