GAME NIGHT: Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames Game 2
When: 10:30 PM ET, Friday, May 20, 2022
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
Summary
Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames As wild as their series opener was, neither the Calgary Flame nor the Edmonton Oilers are expecting anything close to a repeat when they resume their second round clash of the Western Conference in Calgary on Friday.
The 9-6 Flemish win – which not only set the record for the fastest two goals scored by a team to start a Stanley Cup play-off game, but it was the highest scoring event in Alberta’s battle in history – was a light year game plan drawn by both squads.
“You can’t go back to what happened in the past,” said Oilers goaltender Mike Smith, who was scheduled to start the game on Wednesday after conceding three goals in the first 6:05 a.m. game. “I could just sit here and buo-hu myself, but now I can’t do anything. All you can think about is what’s going to happen next … and be prepared.”
The game is tied for the fifth-highest scoring play-off game in history, and it is proud to have scored the first 15 goals since 1993, losing 9-6 to the Los Angeles Kings. By comparison, Calgary managed just 15 goals in its seven-game, opening round series win against the Dallas Stars.
The Eulers are not as strong defensively, but have allowed just two goals in the last two games of their first-round series win against the Kings.
Eulers coach Jay Woodcroft said: “We scored six goals in their building at the Calgary Flames. That should be enough to win a game.” “We’re capable (starting well). I don’t think we’re disappointed at all. We’re capable of it………………….
Some aspects of the Oilers need to be made, especially the performance of captain Connor McDavid.
It is a strange coincidence that the Oilers have lost three play-off games this month where both McDavid and Leon Drysitel have scored one goal each, but will take four more points from the Edmonton captain, who has scored five goals and 18 points in eight. The playoffs are leaning this post season.
Then again, Shikha knows they can’t allow McDavid to continue that trend.
“He’s the best player in the league. He was the best player on the ice (Wednesday) night. Not even close,” said Flemish coach Daryl Sutter. “So if Connor McDavid gets four points in a game at the end of the series, ‘Conquer the next series, Connor.’ ”
Therefore, expect the Flames to focus more on their defensive play after re-teaming and leading 6-2 before being pulled away.
“We’ve probably played the worst … we’ve had 15 or 20 minutes of hockey all year, of course the playoffs, and it’s still a tie game (6-6 at the start of the third period),” said Collecting forward Matthew Takachuk. The first play-off hat-trick of his career.
Calgary will also expect a better performance from goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who scored six goals in 28 shots in Game 1. He certainly expects it from himself.
“It’s easy to move on, since we have won and we are leading 1-0, but it’s going to be tough and I have to improve my game,” said Markstrom, who has conceded 11 goals in seven games in the first round. “You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people.”
The Flame is in a good position to win such a bizarre game. They know what to look for and tactics to help ease the way.
“In the chaos, I really thought we had some restraint in the third,” said forward Blake Coleman. “It was ugly, but when your team can rely on each other and trust each other … it’s a good sign to move forward.”
Stats and Records
W/L | Strk | Home | Away | Day | Night | Div | |
Edmonton | 53-30-6-1 | L1 | 30-13-1-1 | 23-17-5-0 | 6-3-2-0 | 47-27-4-1 | 25-8-1-0 |
Calgary | 55-24-9-2 | W2 | 29-10-6-1 | 26-14-3-1 | 5-0-0-0 | 50-24-9-2 | 17-8-1-1 |
Edmonton | Calgary | |||||||
Date | Away | Home | Shots | Saves | PP | Shots | Saves | PP |
5/18/22 | EDM 6 | CAL 9 | 28 | 39 | 0-4 | 48 | 22 | 1-3 |
Previous Matchup |
Total Points | Player | |
Edmonton | C. McDavid | 4 |
Calgary | R. Andersson | 3 |
Goals | Player | |
Edmonton | Z. Hyman | 2 |
Calgary | M. Tkachuk | 3 |
Assists | Player | |
Edmonton | C. McDavid | 3 |
Calgary | J. Gaudreau | 3 |
Saves | Player | |
Edmonton | M. Koskinen | 32 |
Calgary | J. Markstrom | 22 |
Season |
Total Points | Player | |
Edmonton | C. McDavid | 150 |
Calgary | J. Gaudreau | 131 |
Goals | Player | |
Edmonton | L. Draisaitl | 63 |
Calgary | M. Tkachuk | 49 |
Assists | Player | |
Edmonton | C. McDavid | 98 |
Calgary | J. Gaudreau | 87 |
Saves | Player | |
Edmonton | M. Koskinen | 1377 |
Calgary | J. Markstrom | 1887 |