Edmonton Oilers Pregame Thoughts

This is the first Battle Of Alberta since the sudden passing of former Flames star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a car-on-bike collision. It’s not a key to the game, but how can it not cross your mind? It’s normal for Edmonton and Calgary fans to throw friendly jabs at each other, but there is, of course, more to life than just sports. That being said, the Flames got an inspired win for themselves last night, after playing a touching pregame tribute in their rink. I believe Gaudreau could’ve retired with a Hall Of Fame career, points-wise. The impressive thing about his talent was, before going to Columbus, how he could be so productive while having the small 5’9” 163lbs frame in the bigger and meaner Western Conference. A tragedy that shocked the hockey world adds another sentimental meaning to the 2022 second round between these franchises. Just as Jarome Iginla is one of all-time favorite non-Oilers, Johnny was one of my favorite current players to watch. If you’re a Flames fan reading this article, and he was your favourite player, I’m deeply sorry that you’ve had to experience that sort of loss in your fandom.

This rivalry game is being played on the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving. I can only imagine how much difficulty a grieving family would have in talking about being thankful. Johnny and Matthew’s sister was getting married the day that story broke. As much as we want to be positive and easygoing, it’s not always as easy as saying, “It could be worse.” I know the Gaudreau’s aren’t Canadian, but they may’ve celebrated this during their time in Calgary. Days like this can be, and are, hurting reminders. Years ago, I myself lost a close high school friend to a car accident on Thanksgiving weekend. As I type out all of this, it now feels like just yesterday that I heard the news and waited for information about a funeral. Before you amp up your passion levels for a hockey evening like this, enjoy the holiday dinner with your families. Be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. The keys to the game are…

Not Over Till It’s Over: I’m not writing this to predict that the team I cheer for will jump to a huge lead against their rivals, as much as I’d like that. On Wednesday night after the Oilers played a complete dumpster fire of a home opener, the Flames won their season opener on the road in overtime after going down 4-1 in the first period. They had a comeback in them, we haven’t. Start on time and play a full 60 minutes.

New Year, New Huby?: Jonathan Huberdeau has been the second subject of hockey scrutiny in Alberta after Darnell Nurse since he was traded from Florida for Matthew Tkachuk. He’s had a monumental drop-off from the 115 points he put up in his last season with the Panthers. However, he started having good chemistry last season with former Canucks forward Andrei Kuzmenko after he’d been acquired from Vancouver in the Elias Lindholm trade. Though the Flames line combinations on Daily Faceoff have Huberdeau listed on their third line, and he’s been productive there in his first two games, I have to wonder if he and Kuzmenko would ever be reunited at some point in the season.

Motivation: Reminder, the season just started. But this team needs to show more life in their game. They’ve been outscored 11-2 in six periods. While starting off 0-2, the Flames are 2-0. Is a rival matchup what the Oilers need to get their groove back.