GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames

Edmonton Oilers (1-0-0) vs

Calgary Flames (0-0-0)

16 October 2021

Rogers Place

8 PM MST

TV: CBC

Radio: 630 CHED

SB Nation Opponent: Matchsticks and Gasoline

The Oilers look to keep their record perfect with a visit from the Flames. Tonight is Calgary’s first game of the season, and they’ll no doubt be looking to make the first move on the scoreboard. Who emerges victorious in tonight’s BOA?

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

• There’s a few notable changes to the lines tonight. Zack Kassian makes his season debut on the third line with Warren Foegele and Derek Ryan, while Slater Koekkoek gets in for Kris Russell. Is that it? That’s it. Otherwise, same lines as Vancouver on Wednesday. Mike Smith starts again tonight looking for his second win in as many games.
• Let’s take a look at the TOI for the defence in earnest tonight. I know Duncan Keith was off the ice for some time after taking a big hit, but I’m interested in seeing how much time that pair plays at 5 on 5 compared to Wednesday. I’m also interested to see if Evan Bouchard makes his case to get a boost in the lineup after just two games. Oh yeah, also somewhat interested to see Nurse’s total ice time after playing nearly 32 and a half minutes during game 1.
• It wasn’t perfect, but the Oilers had a good enough first game. Jesse Puljujärvi scored, Zach Hyman scored, and Kyle Turris did the deed in the shutout to put the club over. Looking for win number 2, they’ll need to counter whatever pace the Flames may come with. Calgary is looking for the first everything in 2021-22 having yet to play a regular season game.

Let’s get at it.