Preview: Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers 12/9/19 (31/82): Time To Continue A Streak & End A Streak

Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers, 7 PM MT, Rogers Place, Edmonton AB

TV: SN, SN1

Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames 19-9-2 (40 pts) – Edmonton Oilers 15-12-2 (32 pts)

NHL Standings

The Calgary Flames will take their Western Conference best 19-9-2 record to Edmonton tonight to take on the Oilers in Round 2 of the Battle Of Alberta. The Flames are riding high, currently on a 5 game winnng streak and they are 9-1-1 in their last 11 games. Mike Smith has been a major part of the Flames success as he’s gotten back on track, winning 6 straight starts and ramping up his Save% to .894. David Rittich will most likely get the start tonight in net and it’ll be his turn to get back on track after a tough period against the Columbus Blue Jackets this week. Ritter gave up 3 goals in the first period of a wild 9-6 game and got the hook after only 20 minutes. Prior to that hiccup Rittich was 6-1-1 in 7 starts.

The Oilers come into this game in 5th place in the Pacific Division, 8 points behind the first place Flames. Edmonton is turning their season around as well, having won 5 of their last 6 games. Where the Oilers are making a mark is in the West. All 5 of their wins have come against conference opponents, including a 7-2 manhandling of the Minnesota Wild on Friday night.

While the Flames are rolling, they tend to get rolled when they visit the Oilers. Edmonton owns a 68-57-10 record against the Flames in Edmonton, including a 4 game winning streak in their building. Calgary won the first meeting between these two at the Saddledome back on Novermber 17th 4-2.

Starting Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Rittich (E)- 8-2-1, 2.39 GAA, .919 Save%

Oilers: Koskinen (E)- 8-3-1, 2.23 GAA, .925 Save%

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Edmonton Oilers Coverage: Copper and Blue

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 5 Nashville Predators 2

Edmonton Oilers 7 Minnesota Wild 2

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Elias Lindholm (C): 16G 18A, 10 points in last 5 games, 2 goal game vs Edmonton on 11/17

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid (C): 15G 25A, 7 points in last 5 games

by Mark Parkinson