In what can only be described as pandemonium, Game 1 of the Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers resulted in 15 goals scored. The Flames took the insane affair by a final score of 9–6, in a game all of the coaches and goalies are hoping to soon forget.
Although the score was 9–6 which included and the Oilers overcoming a 6–2 deficit to tie it at six goals apiece, the Flames were the better team all night and a few shoddy goals against from Jacob Markstrom and unlucky bounces got the Oilers back in a game they were surely out of.
In the playoffs though, it’s all about the next game. Win and the Flames are up 2–0, lose and it’s a best-of-five series. The Flames’ Game 2 record is horrible in recent years, but the team is also now 3–0 against the Jay Woodcroft Oilers and have scored an asinine 18 goals over their last two games.
Let’s see which trend continues.
Round 2, Game 2
Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames
Scotiabank Saddledome
8:30PM MDT
Lineups
Calgary Flames
Based on Thursday’s practice, the lines look to be the same up front. Chris Tanev skated yet again, but remains a question mark for the team.
Edmonton Oilers
Lineup has yet to be determined, aside from confirmation that Mike Smith will be starting for the team.
Series so far
| Team | CF% | xGF% | SCF% | HDCF% | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | 63.8% | 66.7% | 68.9% | 68.4% | 78.6% |
| Edmonton Oilers | 36.2% | 33.3% | 31.1% | 31.6% | 81.3% |
Depending on what stat or team you are looking at, Wednesday was not pretty. The Flames clearly dominated most of the play and scoring chances—in case the nine goals scored wasn’t a good enough indication—but the Oilers stayed in the game due to a 78.6 SV% in all situations. Jacob Markstrom played maybe his worst game as a Calgary Flame, which means it’s only better from here.
The Oilers on the other hand were just terrible. There wasn’t anything good except for their high-danger play, in which their HDSH% at 5v5 was a 33.3%, meaning they scored once every three high-danger chances. Additionally, the team had a HDSV% of 92.3 at 5v5. Still not good enough to win, but a highlight none the less.
Players to watch
Edmonton: Darnell Nurse
A report today from Frank Seravalli noted that Darnell Nurse may be far more injured than originally thought. Dealing with a core-muscle injury, Nurse’s ice time dropped significantly in Game 1, which isn’t good for an already reeling defensive team. With Leon Draisaitl already hobbling, it will be interesting to see the usage for Edmonton’s number one defenseman.
Calgary: Calle Jarnkrok
Calle Jarnkrok is playing some amazing hockey. Calle Jarnkrok has not scored a goal for the Calgary Flames. Both are true statements. That being said, he had himself a great Game 1 on Wednesday night:
Not sure who or what he needs to sacrifice for a goal, but it’s coming.
