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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

Edmonton Oilers right wing Vasily Podkolzin tallied a goal and an assist during Saturday's victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Podkolzin scored in the opening minute of the second frame on a snap shot.

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

Goaltender Logan Thompson made 30 saves & recorded an assist for the league-leading Capitals on Tuesday night in a 3-2 victory over the Oilers at Rogers Place

Sabres left winger JJ Peterka is scoring points again after a slow start to the season. He scored 28 goals in a breakout campaign last season.

The Oilers need another scorer if they're going to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

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.