Hot Links: Thursday, January 30

Morning, folks!

What a game, right? One of the better renditions of the Battle of Alberta in recent memory, even if the result didn’t break our heroes’ way. The Oilers were good last night and will win more than they lose if that’s their MO moving forward.

That said, it always sucks whole asses to lose to Calgary at any point of any season, and the Oilers have managed to do that three times from three so far this season. They’ll get another crack on Saturday night, but that’ll be 24 hours or so after playing the defending champs and will be in tough. They managed a point tonight, so, onward, but the Oilers really need to get one over on Calgary Saturday night.

Zack Kassian signed a four-year extension yesterday that averages $3.2MM against the cap for the next three years. Mixed reviews for the most part, with the majority fully endorsing Ken Holland’s acumen mixed with a few — like me — who think he whiffed on this one big time. To reiterate, I like Kassian enough in the right role for the right money. I don’t think that’s beside McDavid and I certainly don’t think that’s good money. Sure, it could have been worse. So?

Sunil joined the CBC for a radio hit to preview last night’s game, but that’ll set the stage for Saturday’s just as well. We’ll see you then.

From Us

GAME RECAP: Oilers 3, Flames 4 (SO) (Copper and Blue)

GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames (Copper and Blue)

Oilers Sign Zack Kassian Hours Before Calgary Rematch (Copper and Blue)

Previewing the Oilers and Flames on CBC Radio Active (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

Luck Be A Lady Tonight (Lowetide)

Morning Report: Oilers Vs. Flames (29 January) (Oilersnation)

Oilers, Flames Still Separated By Thinnest Margins After Latest Battle (Sportsnet)

Tkachuk: Fighting Kassian Was ‘Way For Me To Stick Up For Myself’ (Score)

Matt Benning Thrown Right Into Fire In Battle Of Alberta (Sun)

Are Oilers Satisfied Now That Matthew Tkachuk Answered The Bell? (Sportsnet)

Flames, Oilers Add Classic Chapter To Battle Of Alberta Lore (Sportsnet)

Connor McDavid Furious After Mark Giordano Appears To Clip His Leg (Sportsnet)

For Money

‘Now It’s Over’: With A New Contract In Hand, Zack Kassian Ready To Move On After Matthew Tkachuk Fight (Athletic)

Oilers extend Zack Kassian, betting the power forward can continue to produce with Connor McDavid (Athletic)