OILERS GAME DAY
Five storylines to watch as the Oilers take a three-game winning streak into Calgary tonight to face the Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (7 p.m. MT; TV: Sportsnet, Radio: 630 CHED).
1. Let the good times roll
The Oilers have beaten the Flames seven straight times, sweeping the four meetings last season and the first three this campaign including a 3-0 win on opening night here when Connor McDavid scored three goals, 7-5 in Calgary when Oilers almost blew a 6-1 lead, and 4-3 in a shootout here in late January when McDavid got the winner. In their last three trips to the Saddledome, the Oilers have scored 19 goals.
2. No pest control needed
Unless winger Matthew Tkachuk suddenly gets healthy, the Flames’ No. 1 antagonist won’t be playing. Tkachuk, who has 49 points this season and is on their top power play unit, tumbled over New York Islanders centre Mathew Barzal during their game Sunday and crashed awkwardly into the boards. The Flames aren’t saying what’s wrong, but he could have concussion issues.
3. Select company for No. 97
McDavid has been on a tear since Feb. 1 with 18 goals in 19 games for 33 on the season. Only Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin has been hotter than the Oilers’ captain, who has four multi-goal games (one four-goal night, one three and two two-goal efforts) in his run. He joins Wayne Gretzky (four), Glenn Anderson and Jari Kurri (two) as the only Oilers to have multiple 30-goal years before the age of 22.
4. RNH learning to wing it
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played his first game on McDavid’s left wing in the Oilers’ win over Minnesota, counting a goal and an assist. Nugent-Hopkins has been a centre throughout his hockey career, from his junior days in Red Deer to his NHL years, but the Oilers have McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Strome as options, as well. It’s a work in progress for Nugent-Hopkins on the wing, but he’s quietly having a strong season with 35 points in 50 games.
5. Return of No. 1 goalie
Veteran goaltender Mike Smith has been the Flames’ MVP, but he suffered a lower-body injury a month ago, which kept him out of 13 games. He returned to action against the Islanders on Sunday, but wasn’t rock solid, giving up two goals in the first three minutes. The Flames went 5-6-2 without Smith, who had a 2.53 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage before he was hurt.
THE BIG MATCHUP Mark Giordano vs. McDavid
The indefatigable Flames’ captain has been terrific for most of this season, playing almost 25 minutes a night. He’s got 36 points (plus-7, 11 even-strength goals) and he’s the main reason partner Dougie Hamilton is having a banner year (15 goals). He’s usually out against McDavid, who’s averaging 21:24 a game and has 65 even-strength points (tops in the league). It’s always an interesting battle, because Giordano plays an aggressive game.