SPEAKING WITH THE ENEMY: Oilers at Flames
7 years ago
The Oilers and Flames face off for the second Saturday night in a row and we’ve asked writers from both OilersNation and FlamesNation to give us their take on tonight’s matchup. As always, we’ve also put together a few quick stats to get you ready for the last (regular season) BOA of the year.
Please note that this article was posted at both OilersNation and FlamesNation.
THE MATCHUP
Saturday, January 21st, 2017 – Saddledome (Calgary) – 8pm (MST) on HNIC
| Edmonton Oilers | Calgary Flames |
| 25-15-8 (3rd in the Pacific) | 24-21-3 (4th in the Pacific) |
| 6-3-1 in their last 10 | 5-4-1 in their last 10 |
| Power Play (PP%): 20.9% (13th) | Power Play (PP%): 21.0% (12th) |
| Penalty Kill (PK%): 81.7% (16th) | Penalty Kill (PK%): 81.5% (17th) |
 |  |
Tonight:
After connecting last week in a spirited affair, the Battle of Alberta is back for the final time this season. So far this season, Edmonton has taken all three meetings against the Flames despite last week’s game being much closer. With the Pacific Division being as close as it is, tonight’s potential four-point swing could be significant in terms of landing a playoff spot.
Points Leaders:
Connor McDavid (EDM) – 15G, 40A = 55 points
Leon Draisaitl (EDM) – 17G, 24A = 41 points
Mikael Backlund (CAL) – 14G, 19A = 33 points
Sean Monahan (CAL) – 14G, 15A = 29 points
Johnny Gaudreau (CAL) – 10G, 19A = 29 points
Milan Lucic (EDM) – 11G, 17A = 28 points
Goaltenders:
Edmonton:
| Player | GP | GS | W | L | T | OT | SA | GA | GAA | S | Sv% | SO | MIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Talbot | 43 | 43 | 24 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 1,289 | 104 | 2.41 | 1,185 | .919 | 3 | 2,589 |
| Lauren Brossoit | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Calgary:
| Player | GP | GS | W | L | T | OT | SA | GA | GAA | S | Sv% | SO | MIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chad Johnson | 28 | 28 | 16 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 802 | 64 | 2.31 | 738 | .920 | 3 | 1,662 |
| Brian Elliott | 21 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 542 | 58 | 2.85 | 484 | .893 | 0 | 1,223 |
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Why is your team going to win or why will your enemy lose?
The Oilers have already won the first three games and they will bring out the brooms tonight. What else do you need to know?
Because they’re due, damnit. Besides, they’ve been following up bad games with good games and vice versa, so… yeah, they’re due.
Who’s hot? Who’s not?
Baggedmik:
Unfortunately for the Flames, one of the hottest Oilers right now is Connor McDavid. He guy is going supernova and I can’t see anything changing tonight. On the other side of the coin, Milan Lucic needs to get going because the big man hasn’t scored in what seems like ages was a menace last night and I want to see more of that.
Ari Yanover:
Sean Monahan has goals in his four latest games, so he’s probably someone to watch out for – in addition to the all-around greatness that is the 3M line. On the other side of things, Johnny Gaudreau is due for a breakout, though he’s definitely trying to get there, Sam Bennett is coming off of being a healthy scratch, and Chad Johnson has really been fighting it as of late.
Why should people watch this game?
Baggedmilk:
It’s Hockey Night in Canada and you’re likely Canadian. What else are you doing? Not to mention, Connor McDavid is playing and watching him is likely better than anything you’re going to get up to anyway.
Ari Yanover:
Honestly Hayley Wickenheiser stole the show last time so I’m not sure how anyone can top that.
Say something nice about your opponent.
Baggedmilk:
I like the Flames more than the Leafs so I guess there’s that.
Ari Yanover:
Commonwealth Stadium is neat.
Any last words?
Baggedmilk:
Thank you to Calgary for laying down and playing dead against the Oilers in the first three games of the series. We needed the points.
Ari Yanover:
Congrats on one of your first overall picks finally working out for you guys.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Join in the conversation on Twitter at @OilersNation and @FlamesNation to give us your thoughts on the game. Social media not your thing? Keep the battle going in the game day articles at OilersNation and FlamesNation.
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