Recap: Flames 1, Oilers 0

The Oilers entered Tuesday night’s game with an opportunity to play spoiler in Calgary. Unfortunately for Edmonton, it was the Flames who would do all of the spoilin’. Johnny Gaudreau would score the game’s only goal in the second period, and that was all the scoring that would take place. Calgary would take a 1-0 lead all the way to the end of the line.

You wanna see the goal? No? OK.

That’s the only goal that was scored. It was the only goal that counted, anyway. Zack Kassian appeared to stuff one home in the first period to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead, but the good ol’ ‘intent to blow’ rule was brought out while Kassian was teeing off in front of Mike Smith.

WHAT’S ON THE TABLE?

• Zero goals is a tough number to work with. It also keeps Connor McDavid’s 84 point total at 84 points. He’s got 13 games to score 16 more points to reach the 100 point plateau for the second consecutive season.
• Solid night for Cam Talbot, who was perfect save for one shot going 31/32 in net.
• Some detractors for Pontus Aberg last night. There just aren’t that many options on offence. After The Show (97) and Second In Command (29) and Please Don’t Trade Me For Garbage, (93) there’s not a whole heck of a lot going on up front. They’ll switch Aberg out for Slepyshev, maybe they’ll put Puljujarvi back on top after they’re done sticking him on his off wing.
• Side note - I’ve taken a look at free agency for this offseason coming up. I’e taken a vested interest in wingers who might be available on the cheap. It’s kind of a rogue’s gallery. Let’s just say that after a cursory glance, I put Thomas Vanek atop the list. More on that in the weeks that come, but let’s just say that the Oilers need some internal growth for next season to be successful.
• ALMOST NOT THE WORST: Oilers went 0/3 on the power play. Flames went 0/2. In case you’re keeping score, that’s a 74.6% success rate on the PK for Edmonton, Philadelphia’s within grasp at 74.7%. After McDavid’s scoring race, these are the things I hold on to.
• Oscar Klefbom missed this game after undergoing a procedure over the weekend. He may play as soon as Wednesday against San Jose, but I’ve a nagging suspicion he might be out longer.
• Calgary and Edmonton will meet again at the end of the month. Edmonton will likely get another crack at throwing a wrench in Calgary’s playoff plans in a couple of weeks.
• Oilers will try and right the ship Wednesday back at Rogers Place against the visiting San Jose Sharks. They will then embark on a four game road trip that begins this weekend in Florida.