It took a little over 10 years, 7 head coaches, and 2 different Edmonton arenas, but finally… FINALLY the Oilers have won a game that matters, over halfway into the season, against the Calgary Flames. This victorious scene, on a Saturday night no less, has been such a distant bell, that memories of past Edmonton success post-Christmas entice thoughts of Chris Pronger and Dwayne Roloson. The Oilers have done what so many of us had grown to believe as impossible: A win on a Saturday evening Hockey Night in Canada against the Flames, with playoff implications (it’s early but still) on the line. Out-freaking-standing.
Yes, the game wasn’t that pretty. The Flames checked the Oilers forecheck hard and limited them. When the Flames weren’t limiting the Oilers, Edmonton did a good job of restricting themselves. Sloppy play highlighted much of the 60 minutes for almost every Edmonton forward, including the Oilers’ top trio.
But here’s the deal… we could talk about sloppy play, missed opportunities, frustrating games by key players; or, we could keep this night going in a positive manner and reflect on the good moments of tonight. That sounds good to me.
In saying that, Edmonton’s defence did more than their fair share in this game and deserve to be highlighted. They battled hard, made numerous sharp defensive plays, and shut down the Flames’ offensive stars for the entirety of the game. The likes of Gaudreau and Bennett were virtually non-existent in the game, and that is due in large part to the work of the D.
Matt Benning continues to work his name into the Calder Trophy conversation, and that isn’t a joke. His work this season has been outstanding and I get giddy thinking about his ceiling. #VoteBenning. Klefbom had himself one of his best games in a ing while as well.
Andrej Sekera and Kris Russell did a terrific job as the top pairing tonight. I hope those that had previously been critical of Russell can recognize how well he has played recently. He is a difference maker in a very positive way right now.
As for Davidson, while he continues to get back to where we know he can play, he brought a key physical element to the tilt that was lacking from others in the early going. His physicality was extremely noticeable. Gryba did his job as a 7th defenceman, as he was physical, played a smart game, and didn’t make any mistakes that cost the Oilers. Nice work.
In terms of offence, Patrick Maroon continues to make the ladies swoon, Leon Draisaitl is my favourite German ever, and Mark Letestu makes me want to visit Elk Point, Alberta just to give thanks.
And last but not least, Cam Talbot has to be praised. This game went to a shootout thanks in large part to his work in the net, and after that he insured there was no hope for the Flames.More on his fantastic night in a bit.
Edmonton, take tonight and tomorrow to savour this one. Like a good steak, just embrace this feeling. This is a win that we have craved for so long, and it is finally here. We have seen how fleeting this feeling can be, how it can extend over years and years. So embrace this. Leave the criticisms for Monday, a day that is more applicable. For now, continue to sip that glass of beer, smile and take a few moments every hour to look at the standings.
The Oilers are well on their way north. It is paradise in January.
Points of Interest
- The opening ceremony to honour Hayley Wickenheiser was really fantastic. From the video production, to Hayley’s speech, to the standing ovation, all of it. An unbelievable career closes for a true Canadian Champion.
- Cam Talbot made an incredible save halfway through the first. Absolutely massive boost for the team.
- Another underwhelming first period for the Oilers. The Flames brought the physicality, but the Oilers seemed hesitant to respond. And offensively, the Oilers barely tested Elliott. Whatever the Oilers are doing before their games now, they need to adjust it going forward. Way too many slow starts recently.
- Thankfully for the Oilers, their start to the 2nd period, although still not great, was better than the first.
- Halfway through the game and it was apparent that both teams were trying their best to keep things tight, recognizing the importance of not making mistakes. Shots were only 8-7 at the 10:00 mark, with Calgary failing to register a shot in the period by that point.
- Patrick Maroon is this city’s hero right now, and we all love it. He continues to work hard from pillar to post, be in the right spots, and capitalize on his opportunities. Hell of a season for the Big Rig.
- Andrej Sekera continues to make clear, game after game, that he is this team’s best defenceman. It is a pleasure to watch him play.
- Through 50 minutes of the game, sloppiness was the dominating theme, especially so for the Oilers.
- After a relatively boring game, the last few minutes of regulation brought some exciting moments. Some seriously tense moments.
- What an outstanding defensive play by Klefbom in overtime to prevent a Flames’ breakaway.
- How f***ing crazy was that last second chance by Maroon in overtime? Oh god. Rogers Place would have exploded if he buried that.
Player of the Game
Cam Talbot gets the nod as the player of the game. He made more than a few big stops, throughout the entirety of the game, and eventually sealed the deal in the shootout. He was a bit to blame on the first goal, but he allowed no other after that point. 22 saves this evening for a .960 save percentage. Excellent game.
Oilers Highlights
Cam Talbot’s big first period stop:
Love that glove. 😍 #CGYvsEDM pic.twitter.com/MKCvL6MQTj
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2017
Patrick Maroon’s 18th goal of the season:
#Oilers & Calgary all square 1-1 through 40 mins with goals 26 seconds apart from @patmaroon & Monahan. #CGYvsEDM pic.twitter.com/rRtOGmGU5r
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2017
A big hit by Davidson:
Davy drops Hathaway. 💪 #CGYvsEDM pic.twitter.com/q8V3vVOyOe
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2017
Draisaitl’s goal in the shootout:
Leon got things going… #CGYvsEDM pic.twitter.com/FzufJ2WWeD
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2017
Letestu’s shootout goal:
Letestu followed suit… #CGYvsEDM pic.twitter.com/0ylUOPONkF
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 15, 2017
Up Next: The Desert Dogs Visit the North
Up next the Arizona Coyotes will visit Edmonton and the Oilers on Monday night. The Oilers will look to repeat their previous performance against the Coyotes, while building on tonight’s momentum, and beat their divisional opponent.
Arizona is not a good team and the Oilers will do themselves a massive favour in the standings if they do what they are supposed to do and take the victory.
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