McDavid explodes in a high-scoring thriller while Matthew Knies delivers a statement debut in Columbus. Plus, Igor Shesterkin makes history as Tampa Bay’s elite stars fall flat.
The NHL's packed Thursday slate was historic in more ways than one with a massive eight-game slate. New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin scored the first goalie goal in franchise history, and out in California, the San Jose Sharks pulled off an upset over the Florida Panthers.
It was a high-scoring night, with six of the games totaling six or more goals. The wildest came late in Vancouver, where the Canucks faced the Oilers again after stunning them in the season opener Tuesday. Edmonton bounced back in a big way, building an 8-2 lead before Vancouver stormed back with five goals down the stretch before the Oilers would go on to win 9-7 in an instant classic.
Here are some of the biggest fantasy hockey highs and lows from Thursday night.
Edmonton's Stars Take Over the Top of the Fantasy Board
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl showed off the power of Edmonton's offense, combining for three goals while McDavid would add four assists and Draisaitl one.
Vasily Podkolzin was surprisingly impressive once again, recording his second straight multi-point game, scoring his third goal of the season and adding an assist, placing him him third in Fantasy behind McDavid and season opener breakout Evan Bouchard.
The Oilers star defenseman had a five-point season opener and would only add to his total with three more points Thursday and is the top Fantasy player through three days of the regular season. Four Oilers occupy the top five spots entering Friday, with Vancouver's Paul Cotter the lone exception.
Thrilling Debut in Columbus for Matthew Knies
The blockbuster trade entering the season, saw power forward Matthew Knies to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a deal for Kirill Marchenko, along with other pieces.
Fantasy managers weren't sure how the move would affect Knies' value, going from playing with Auston Matthews to Adam Fantilli. Knies was going near the end of the top 100 in most drafts, and he looked like a late-round gem in his first game with his new club. The 23-year-old Arizona native scored twice and added an assist for a three-point night and now sits inside the top 25 in most Fantasy leagues.
Bolts' Big Names Blanked as Tampa Bay Falls to New York
The Tampa Bay Lightning had several players going high in drafts, including Nikita Kucherov, who went as early as the top three or four picks, as well as Brandon Hagel, Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point, who were all largely going inside the top 60 picks.
Many expected a big night against a Rangers team that finished in the bottom four of the league last season. Instead, New York shut down Tampa's stars, holding the Lightning to one goal, scored by Kucherov, while the rest of the Bolts' offense went cold.
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