FLAMES FINALLY BEAT EDMONTON

Calgary needed two points in the worst possible way on Tuesday. Taking on a team they hadn’t beaten in almost two seasons and playing at home where they’ve struggled all year seemed like a challenge. But they found a way!

1st Period: Calgary Flames 0, Edmonton Oilers 0

After a slow start against New York in the last game, the Flames came out with some energy early and generated a few chances. Travis Hamonic and Darnell Nurse dropped the gloves a few minutes into the game too.

The Oilers would get a powerplay thanks to a Matt Stajan interference penalty but the Flames would kill it off thanks to some nice shot blocking.

Calgary would have a few glorious chances as Johnny Gaudreau barely missed a pass at the back door, then Mikael Backlund hit the post.

Zach Kassian would jam a puck in for the Oilers but it was done illegally as he pushed Smith in along with the puck. No goal. Still scoreless.

2nd Period: Calgary Flames 1, Edmonton Oilers 0

The Flames would take the lead thanks to a nice forecheck by the top line. Micheal Ferland would force a turnover and then feed Sean Monahan. Monahan would find Johnny Gaudreau alone in front who would put a nice backhand under the crossbar. Goal number 22 for Johnny Hockey. 1-0 Flames

Calgary would get a powerplay opportunity a few minutes later and generate some good zone time and a few chances but couldn’t score. Another powerplay a few minutes later would go much the same for the Flames.

Edmonton would get a powerplay after a high sticking call to Curtis Lazar but Mike Smith would hold the fort with a spectacular save. The Oilers would push hard towards the end of the period but were unable to beat Smith.

3rd Period: Calgary Flames 1, Edmonton Oilers 0

The third period was a lot of fun. That’s all I can really say.

Mike Smith had a tremendous period making a number of ten bell saves on Connor McDavid among other Oilers. The defence buckled down, the offense stepped up. The Flames killed a penalty for the final two minutes with Stajan cementing the victory with a huge block in the final seconds.

The game itself was chippy but still fast a paced Battle of Alberta. The “Let’s go Oilers” and “Go Flames Go” chants were battling. It was fun.

And the Calgary Flames would finally exorcise their Oiler demons with a 1-0 victory.

Final Thoughts

Flame of the Game

Mike Smith (G): Oh Smitty how we missed you! He was an absolute stud in net for the Flames tonight, turning away all 28 Oiler shots. Honourable mentions to Sean Monahan and Matt Stajan who I think both had great games.

by Michael MacGillivray