The Edmonton Oilers took control of the “Battle of Alberta” with a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Sunday night at Rogers Place.
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The team led by Connor McDavid took a 2-1 lead in the second-round series between the two Alberta clubs. Visibly inspired to be in front of their fans, the Oilers came out on top, notably dominating the first period 21-7 in shots on goal.
The winners, however, opened the scoring in the first minute of the second period. Zach Hyman took advantage of a power play to place the puck behind goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
The rest of the middle period was Evander Kane’s business. The striker scored a natural hat trick in six minutes. He therefore brought his total goals to 10 since the start of the playoffs.
Leon Draisaitl was not left out, he who was an accomplice of the Oilers’ four successes. For his part, McDavid amassed three assists. The talented No. 97 became the first player in National League history to collect more than one point in nine of the first ten playoff games in a single year.
In front of the Edmonton cage, Mike Smith got up at the right times in this duel. He stopped 28 shots before being forced out of the game with just over 11 minutes to go in the final period. The 40-year-old veteran was hit by Milan Lucic behind his net and had to go through concussion protocol. However, he came back to play the last seven minutes of the match and gave in on a shot from Oliver Kylington. Coming in relief for about four minutes, Mikko Koskinen did not face any shots.
In addition, Lucic was ejected from the game for his gesture and the Oilers obtained a five-minute power play, without however being able to take advantage of it.
The Oilers and Flames will return Tuesday night for Game 4 of their series.