After another blazing start to Game 2, the Calgary Flames squandered another lead, but this time they couldn’t hold onto it for the whole game. The result? A tied series heading back up Highway 2 to Edmonton.
It’s the Connor McDavid show so far as without him these games would be easily won for the Flames. The good part? Calgary has been the far superior team and was undone by silly mistakes. The officiating was a complete question mark in Game 2, but reel that stuff in and focus on the game plan and the Flames are looking good, or even overwhelming good at 5v5.
The Flames should have no problems if they can shut things down defensively. A huge boost to this would be having Chris Tanev back in the lineup, which cannot come soon enough.
Round 2, Game 3
Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers
Rogers Place
6:00PM MDT
Lineups
Calgary Flames
Based on Saturday’s optional skate, 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. The Oilers put in Warren Foegele instead of their 11-7 lineup they had during Game 1. Expectations are that this remains the same.
Series so far
| Team | CF% | xGF% | SCF% | HDCF% | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | 62.1% | 62.7% | 60.9% | 67.7% | 83.8% |
| Edmonton Oilers | 37.9% | 37.3% | 39.1% | 32.3% | 86.4% |
At 5v5, the Calgary Flames have been dominant. The only issue? The teams only spent 36:54 of ice time at 5v5 in Game 2. Of course this worked in favor of both teams, with the emphasis being on Edmonton who had power play after power play. If the Flames can keep things at even strength, and especially not 4v4, then they do have the bigger edge. Of course the Oilers have only scored two goals not at 5v5, one being shorthanded to win Game 2, so Jacob Markstrom needs to be sharp.
Players to watch
Edmonton: Zach Hyman
I feel like when Hyman was in Toronto his skills were almost hidden behind Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Hyman is a difference maker, and has been the second biggest x-factor on the Oilers. With Leon Draisaitl not at 100%, Hyman has completely taken over on both ends of the ice. I don’t think the Flames had a game plan for him, which they surely have to think of one now.
Caalgary: Dillon Dube
The Flames need a bit more out of Dillon Dube offensively. He hasn’t scored in the playoffs yet, and is that key missing depth piece the Flames need to snuff out the Oilers. If the top-six is preoccupied by McDavid, they need someone to step up. Dube showed he was on a roll heading into the playoffs, time to pick that back up.
