By Canadian Press

Connor McDavid takes NHL scoring lead with three-point night as Oilers beat Flames

Oct 14, 2016 | 9:00 PM

CALGARY — With another impressive performance, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid took the NHL’s early scoring lead on Friday with a second-straight three-point night.

McDavid had a goal and two assists and Leon Draisaitl scored twice as the Oilers beat the Calgary Flames 5-3, completing a sweep of the home-and-home series.

“We will be talking about him all year and for many years to come,” said Edmonton coach Todd McLellan of his 19-year-old captain. “You can have a game plan but he has all the skills and tools, a tool box that is second to none.”

McDavid showcased his speed in the first period by getting behind the Flames defence for a breakaway and beating Brian Elliott with a lightning-quick shot.

“He’s deadly off the rush,” said Flames defenceman Mark Giordano. “Again tonight, he capitalizes on his chances. He got a few breakaways. Power play, he made some nice plays. That’s another big night for him.”

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Draisaitl gave the Oilers the lead for good 1:28 into the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie with a power-play goal. McDavid, who patiently hung onto the puck in the high slot, started a tic-tac-toe sequence with a quick down low to Milan Lucic, who in turn zipped the puck across the crease to Draisaitl for a tap-in.

“I don’t really know what to say. He’s just phenomenal. He’s just that good,” said Draisaitl. “He just makes something happen every single shift out of nothing where you think there’s nothing going on and he just creates absolute top, Grade A chances. He’s very special.”

Despite McDavid’s display, Calgary coach Glen Gulutzan said his team needs to tighten up defensively.

“We’re not giving up a ton of chances, we’re just giving up real high quality chances and there’s a big difference,” said the first-year coach, who took over in the off-season after Bob Hartley was fired.

Mark Letestu took advantage of a Dennis Wideman turnover at 6:47 of the third and converted a breakaway as Edmonton opened up a 4-2 lead. Jordan Eberle also scored for Edmonton (2-0-0), which hosts the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday.

Elliott, who has given up 10 goals on 55 shots through two games, said he wasn’t sure how many odd-man rushes he faced throughout the game.

“There were a lot,” said the 31-year-old. “I don’t know if there was a count going, but we can’t give those up. We have to keep the play in front of us a little bit, especially against a team where we know they’re jumping at any opportunity.”

Sean Monahan and Michael Frolik replied for Calgary (0-2-0). The Flames, who fall to 0-5-1 in their last six home openers, immediately flew to Vancouver where they play the Canucks on Saturday in their home opener.

Cam Talbot had 32 saves as the Oilers improved to 2-0. He had been peppered for 42 shots in Edmonton’s 7-4 win at home on Wednesday.

Calgary got off to a great start, outscoring Edmonton 2-1 and outshooting them 24-12 in the first period. But Eberle’s power-play goal 5:25 into the second tied it.

Notes: The 24 shots in the first period were one off the Flames franchise record for shots in a period, done twice before (1988, 2005)… Calgary’s only lineup change came on defence, inserting Jokipakka for Nicklas Grossmann… Edmonton made two changes with Eric Gryba replacing Brandon Davidson on the blue line and Anton Lander coming in for rookie Anton Slepyshev up front… The final two games in the season series are both in January.

Darren Haynes, The Canadian Press