Edmonton Oilers Fall to Calgary Flames in Pre-Season Split-Squad Action
On a night that was supposed to showcase the Edmonton Oilers’ potential, the team faced a disappointing reality as they were defeated twice by their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames. The split-squad pre-season games took place on Monday night, with the Oilers losing 6-3 at Rogers Place in Edmonton and 6-1 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.
Game One: A Rocky Start in Edmonton
The first game at Rogers Place saw the Oilers struggle to find their rhythm early on. Despite a promising start, the Flames quickly established dominance, jumping out to a commanding 4-0 lead by the second period. The Oilers managed to respond with goals from defenceman Noel Hoefenmayer and veterans Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid, but it was too little, too late. Hyman’s goal, which came in the second period, was a momentary glimmer of hope, but the Flames’ early onslaught proved insurmountable.
Hyman reflected on the game, noting, "I thought there were some good things and some that we can clean up. Anytime you get into preseason, the rhythm is always off. It’s a little different. I thought as the game went on, we got better as a group." His comments highlight the challenges teams face during the pre-season, where building chemistry and finding game flow can be a struggle.
Flames’ Stellar Performance
The Flames’ goaltender, Logan Cooley, was a standout performer, making an impressive 44 saves throughout the match. His ability to thwart the Oilers’ attempts at a comeback in the final frame was crucial to Calgary’s victory. The Flames’ offensive attack was equally potent, with forwards Jonathan Huberdeau, Justin Kirkland, and Samuel Honzek each contributing three points. Matt Coronato shone with two goals, while Anthony Mantha added a goal and an assist, showcasing the depth of Calgary’s roster.
Game Two: A Tough Night in Calgary
The second game in Calgary started on a brighter note for the Oilers, as professional try-out winger Mike Hoffman scored a power-play goal just 7:55 into the first period, giving Edmonton an early 1-0 lead. However, the Flames quickly turned the tide, scoring six unanswered goals. Connor Zary was particularly effective, netting two goals and adding an assist, while Yegor Sharangovich contributed a short-handed goal and two goals overall.
Despite Hoffman’s early success, the Oilers struggled to maintain their momentum. Winger Viktor Arvidsson and defenceman Ben Gleason provided assists on Hoffman’s goal, but the team could not capitalize on their early advantage. The Flames’ relentless offensive pressure left the Oilers reeling, and they were unable to respond effectively.
McDavid’s Insights
After the games, Oilers captain Connor McDavid shared his thoughts on the team’s performance. "Trying to work through it," he said. "I thought the legs got better and better as the game went on. I think it’s more the battling and stuff that you’re just not used to. You could skate up and down the rink all day, but it’s just the battling at that level that is tough. But obviously, not good enough all around and lots to work on." McDavid’s insights reflect the challenges of transitioning from practice to game situations, especially in a pre-season setting where intensity and competition levels can vary.
Looking Ahead
The Oilers will have the opportunity to regroup and refine their strategies as they continue their pre-season schedule. Their next matchup is set for Wednesday at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg against the Jets. Fans can catch the action live on Oilers+, with the game starting at 6:00 PM MT. As the Oilers look to bounce back from their defeats, the focus will be on building chemistry, improving their battling skills, and finding a cohesive rhythm as they prepare for the regular season.