Flames and Oilers Kick Off Preseason with Split-Squad Showdowns
Hockey is finally back, and with it comes one of the most anticipated rivalries in the sport. The Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers are set to clash in their preseason opener, not once but twice, as both teams send split squads onto the ice Sunday evening. The Flames will skate at home in the Scotiabank Saddledome, while another squad travels north to Edmonton’s Rogers Place, with both games dropping the puck at 6 p.m. Mountain Time.
For Calgary fans, there’s a little extra excitement around this preseason. After three intense days of training camp, the Flames are eager to put all that hard work into game action. Forward Jonathan Huberdeau, fresh off his best scoring season in Flames colours, admitted he’s more than ready to get going. He described the first game as a little “rusty,” but emphasized how important it is to get back into the rhythm of physical play and prepare for the grind of the season. His line alongside Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato will be one to watch, as chemistry begins to take shape early.
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On the blue line, Rasmus Andersson echoed that the pace and energy from camp have already been setting the tone. He said the group feels eager and ready, which should make for some spirited exhibition play. Adding intrigue to the Flames’ crease, new goaltender Ivan Prosvetov could make his first appearance. After an impressive run in the KHL last year, his Flames debut is highly anticipated.
Meanwhile, Edmonton enters the preseason with lofty expectations. After back-to-back Western Conference championships, the Oilers are determined to keep pushing for the ultimate prize. A familiar face will be wearing their colours now, too. Former Flame Andrew Mangiapane joined Edmonton in the offseason and has already found himself skating on a line with Connor McDavid. That move has certainly caught attention, as McDavid spoke about the excitement of building new chemistry, even while keeping the comfort of playing with long-time linemates like Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as an option.
Draisaitl, who had another monster offensive season last year, has set his sights on improving his defensive game. He even mentioned wanting to be in the Selke Trophy conversation, a sign of his commitment to becoming more well-rounded. That balance could make Edmonton even more dangerous if he delivers on both ends of the ice.
And then there’s the youth factor. Calgary’s Zayne Parekh, a top pick in the 2024 draft, is expected to see action in one of the games. The 19-year-old defenseman has impressed in camp and will get another opportunity to prove he belongs at the NHL level. For Flames management, the split-squad setup is the perfect chance to evaluate prospects like him under real game conditions.
So, while these are just preseason games, the stakes feel bigger because it’s the Battle of Alberta. The rivalry always brings energy, and with fresh faces, renewed confidence, and plenty of storylines on both sides, Sunday’s doubleheader sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of hockey.
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