GDB 8.0 Wrap Up: Oilers defeat Flames 5-2 in front of 55,411 fans at Commonwealth Stadium
8 months ago
Nothing like beating the Calgary Flames to end a losing skid.
On Sunday evening, the Oilers took on the Flames in the Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium, defeating their Battle of Alberta rival 5-2. Edmonton is now 2-1 all-time in outdoor games, as they lost the first Heritage Classic to the Montreal Canadiens in 2003 but beat the Jets in Winnipeg 3-0 in 2016.
THE WRAP UP IS PRESENTED BY BETWAY
Oilersnation’s Player of the Game: Evander Kane
The 32-year-old power forward was all over the scoresheet on Sunday, scoring his second goal of the season and assisting on two other goals.
Not just that, but Kane also registered a game-high six hits and took two penalties, a boarding call in the first period, and a trip in the third period.
After a slow start to his season, it’s good to see him engaged in the game because the team is significantly more difficult to face.
Things worth mentioning…
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also had an eventful game, assisting on Edmonton’s first goal and finishing with a penalty, two hits, and three shots. The longest-serving Oiler has two goals and five assists in eight games this season.
Connor McDavid returned after a two-game absence, assisting on an Evan Bouchard goal to push Edmonton’s lead to 3-1 at the time. Leon Draisaitl also assisted on this goal and Zach Hyman’s, giving him two points on the night and 13 on the season.
Three of five of Edmonton’s goals came from defenceman. First was Brett Kulak’s first goal of the season to open the scoring. Next was Evan Bouchard’s third goal of the season, giving him nine points in Edmonton’s eight games. Lastly, Vincent Desharnais scored his first career goal Sunday after the puck took a wild bounce. For a while, it was considered Evander Kane’s goal, but it was eventually given to the former seventh-round draftee.
Penalties are still an issue, as Edmonton allowed both goals on the penalty kill. Not only that, but they also took way too many penalties, finishing with six on the evening. Thankfully, they were able to kill off a huge 5 on 3 which led to Zach Hyman’s goal, but they have to be more disciplined.
The Oilers announced during the third period that this game was a sellout with 55,411 fans in attendance at Commonwealth Stadium.
It will be a little while before the Oilers return to action, as they’ll face off against the Dallas Stars on November 2 in Edmonton. Hopefully, they’ll be able to build off this huge win against their division rivals.
Recent articles from Ryley Delaney
