Podkolzin notched an assist, two shots on goal and a minus-2 rating in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Capitals.

The past six months have been a whirlwind for Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin, who is now a fan-favourite in the Alberta capital.

Hockey is a team sport, so even the best players can't do it alone. Every NHL team needs depth guys who perform roles the top dogs either can't or shouldn't do.

It was hard-nosed blueliner Darnell Nurse who picked up the primary assist. His contribution was being ready to take a Draisaitl pass, and blast a solid attempt on net but have it stopped by Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Instead, it was Draisaitl who did all the work to make this four-on-four goal happen.

NHL players always give fantastic and honest interviews in their native language, and now Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin has given fans a gem with a new wide ranging interview.

Oilers fans may have been panicking about the team's slow start to the season, but it doesn't appear the players were all that bothered.

Podkolzin delivered a goal and an assist in Saturday's 4-3 win over Chicago. It was the former Canuck's first multi-point effort since Dec. 12. Podkolzin is seeing some top-six minutes at even strength,

For practically the entirety of their careers, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been extraordinary offensive players. Since the beginning of the 2016-17 NHL season, McDavid and Draisaitl rank first and second among all players in points,

He also endured a few rocky seasons with the Sabres that ended in him being bought out. In his first year with the Edmonton Oilers, he’s gone from a high-profile free-agent signee to someone struggling to get into the lineup.

Leon Draisaitl continued his MVP-type season with a three-point game. Zach Hyman buried two and could have had four. Calvin Pickard was strong early. And Corey Perry was in full-worm form with a highly effective, agitating display.

Leon Draisaitl & Zach Hyman recorded three points apiece on Thursday night as the Oilers earned retribution against the Canucks with a 6-2 victory over their Pacific Division rivals at Rogers Place

In a marquee rematch against the Oilers, the Canucks didn't start to find their legs until they were down by five goals.