The first “Battle of Alberta” in 31 years promises to be one between two formidable offensives. Because both the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers will want to keep the puck away from the sticks of opposing forwards and close to their own stars.
Their Western semi-final series gets underway Wednesday in Calgary.
Connor McDavid has led the NHL’s scoring column this season, and he’ll be counting on his sidekick Leon Draisaitl to help the Oilers win. As for the Flames, the trio of Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk will want to carry their team to the Western final. “I hope our players will score more than the other team. That’s the plan,” Flames defenseman Michael Stone said.
Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom, a Vezina Trophy finalist, will face Mike Smith, who was in goal for the Flames three years ago.
The two teams shared the honors of their series of four games in the regular season. The Flames defeated the Oilers 9-5 on March 26 at the Saddledome, a game that left its mark on the Oilers. “When you get spanked, no matter who you are, you want to bounce back,” Oilers forward Zack Kassian said. It was an embarrassing loss, but we bounced back. We have shown character throughout the season. »
After that loss, the Oilers won 13 of their next 16 games (13-1-2). They then fought back to beat the Los Angeles Kings in seven games in the first round of playoffs. For their part, the Flames defeated the Dallas Stars in seven games in the first round.
” Something special “
This is the first time since 1991 that the two Alberta NHL teams will meet in the playoffs. “It’s something special for the players. You have to enjoy it,” Flames forward Milan Lucic said.
The Flames will want to avoid outbursts, as McDavid and Draisaitl have led the NHL with 44 and 41 power play points respectively this season. “We’ll have to play five-on-five as often as possible,” said Selke Trophy finalist Lindholm. They have a nice cohesion on the power play. It will therefore be a key element in the series. »
In the Oilers’ camp, we don’t expect a high-scoring series like in the days of Gretzky, Messier, Kurry, McDonald, Fleury and MacInnis, despite the two good attacks in place.
Oilers forward Zach Hyman said the first-round streak against the Kings prepared the Oilers to face the towering Flames defense. “We understand what led to our success,” Hyman said. It was when we made turnovers in the neutral zone that we got into trouble. »
The Oilers will therefore want to reject the puck in the back of the opposing zone and get to work. Hyman added that he and his teammates shouldn’t be afraid to play tough hockey. “It’s different from the regular season. What happened no longer matters. The series are another beast. The game is different. It’s tighter, more difficult and there’s emotion,” he said.
Absentees
Flames defenseman Chris Tanev practiced Tuesday after missing the final game against the Stars with an undisclosed injury.
In the Oilers’ camp, Draisaitl is affected by an injury suffered in Game 6 against the Kings, and he did not participate in practice on Tuesday. Forwards Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also missed practice.
Interim head coach Jay Woodcroft wouldn’t discuss the absent players. However, general manager Ken Holland said in an interview with radio station 630 CHED that Draisaitl, Kane and Nugent-Hopkins would be in uniform on Wednesday.