That's why they play the games, folks.
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Despite dressing their top line, top defensive pairing, and Leon Draisaitl, the Edmonton Oilers dropped the first Battle of Alberta of the season by a score of 6-3. They fared no better in the Calgary leg of the split-squad doubleheader, losing 6-1 to a veteran-led Flames roster.
The Flames' best players came to play in both games. Jonathan Huberdeau, Anthony Mantha, and Matt Coronato each notched multiple points in Edmonton, while Connor Zary, Mikael Backlund, Yegor Sharangovich, and Nazem Kadri had multi-point games in Calgary. Youngsters Coronato and Zary were especially impressive, each scoring two goals.
Devin Cooley was excellent in net for the Flames in Edmonton, making 43 saves on 45 shots, including some absolutely incredible stops in the third period. Calvin Pickard was less sharp at the other end of the ice, allowing four goals on 15 shots before ceding the crease to Brett Brochu.
Oh my Devin Cooley. Just remarkable. Sliding across in time to make the save#Flames pic.twitter.com/qls7LVonRg
— Joseph (@HockeyJoseph10) September 24, 2024
That's not to say it was all bad for the Oilers. Leon Draisaitl looked as good as ever, finding linemates Vasily Podkolzin and Raphael Lavoie for a few great chances they just couldn't finish. Lavoie in particular looked very comfortable playing next to Draisaitl, as he found himself open for some of the Oilers' best chances of the game, only to be stymied by Cooley.
In addition, 2024 5th round draft pick Connor Clattenburg showed more offence than expected based on his scouting report, and got Edmonton fans on their feet early on by going after the Flames' Henry Mews.
Oilers Player of the Game: Connor McDavid
Even in a meaningless pre-season game, Connor McDavid is still Connor McDavid. He engineered the Oilers' first goal, turning a give-and-go with Alex Kannok-Leipert into an odd-man rush before finding a wide-open Zach Hyman in front. In the third period, he finally got Oilers fans on their feet with a classic McDavid rush gaol on a late powerplay.
Oilers Play of the Game:
haha connor mcdavid go brrrrrr. 6-3. pic.twitter.com/Q0YxKday1T
— zach (@zjlaing) September 24, 2024
What else was it going to be?
Kris Knoblauch kept his word and deployed his top powerplay unit in Edmonton, going 1-for-2 with the man advantage, courtesy of McDavid's goal.
The Oilers fared worse on the powerplay in Calgary, going 1-for-6. Mike Hoffman notched the team's only goal, beating Dan Vladar with a one-timer from the top of the circle.
The Oilers get back to business on Wednesday night as they head to Winnipeg for a rematch with the Jets.
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