[GDT] Flames @ Oilers, 7:30 p.m. MT, SN360

[Cali Panthers Fan]

The Flames are coming off a hard luck loss to a hated rival in the Vancouver Canucks less than 24 hours ago. More rivalries will be renewed between the Flames and Oilers as the Flames will head to meet a well rested Oilers club ready to make their home debut.

The Oilers are beginning a campaign where they are hoping that their off-season moves will put them in contention for a playoff spot. Is that likely? Probably not with their depth at center and a tough Western Conference. Leon Draisaitl is set to make his NHL debut as the team's 2nd line center, making the team ahead of such talented centers as Boyd Gordon, Mark Arcobello, and Will Acton. The Oilers feature 5 new faces along with Draisaitl, including Benoit Pouliot, Teddy Purcell, Nikita Nikitin, Mark Fayne, and Brad Hunt.

Not to be outdone, the Flames are featuring a young new talent in Johnny Gaudreau, who is arguably better skill-wise than any of the 6 new faces in Edmonton. Gaudreau didn't look out of his depth in his season debut and 2nd NHL game (thanks Sportsnet), creating chances nearly every time he had the puck in the offensive zone.

The Flames were the much more physical team against Vancouver, dishing out 32 hits on the Canucks, so look for that physical game to carry over against an Edmonton club that is not known for its physical play. Bollig, Engelland, and Glencross combined for 16 hits alone.

Karri Ramo will get the start for the Flames and Ben Scrivens will likely be the starter for the Oilers. Lines are from the most recent practice/game and will be updated after the morning skate. Edit: Lines should be up to date now.

Flames

Glencross-Monahan-Hudler
Raymond-Backlund-Bouma
Gaudreau-Colborne-Byron
Bollig-Stajan-McGrattan Jones

Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Engelland
Smid-Wideman Diaz

Ramo

Oilers

Hall-Nugent-Hopkins-Eberle
Pouliot-Arcobello-Purcell
Perron-Draisaitl-Yakupov
Hendricks-Gordon-Joensuu

Nikitin-Fayne
Ference-Petry
Hunt-Schultz

Scrivens

Go Flames Go!












OH, and Edmonton is no good.

Edit: lineup tweet

Hartley has announced Diaz and Jones will play tonight in Edmonton. Wideman and McGrattan will come out of the lineup.

[flambers]

I would think the Flames may make a couple more line up changes, would not be surprised to see Diaz, Jones or potentially Setoguchi make it into the line up.

[Robo]

We win and get to laugh at how bad the oilers are yet again

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by flambers

I would think the Flames may make a couple more line up changes, would not be surprised to see Diaz, Jones or potentially Setoguchi make it into the line up.

Who would you sit to get those guys in?

[Northendzone]

big game for sure, flames squandered a game in hand last night. four point game for sure.

i assume the league will limit the oilers pre-game ceremonies to less than 45 minutes

[Burke Salad]

The Oilers kids havent found a reason to sulk yet, I have a feeling they may beat us tonight, something like 5-2.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Who would you sit to get those guys in?

Diaz could replace Wideman, based on last nights play at least.

[King Theo]

But the oilers have to all the 1984 cup team in the house. That is about 100 rings for everyone to look at. This game will not start until midnight.

[Rick M.]

I hope Colborne is back on the wing where he belongs.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

I hope Colborne is back on the wing where he belongs.

Thought he played really well, his line was quite effective. Backlund's line had a really tough night against the Sedin's.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Diaz could replace Wideman, based on last nights play at least.

I agree, but that was the easy one.

Which forwards sit for Jones and/or Setoguchi to get in. The only one I can think of is McGrattan but if Gadzic is in the line up I'd be wary.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Who would you sit to get those guys in?

Raymond and Smid are candidates.

Bollig could be another.

Stajan had a cut and left the game, no clue if its okay....

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by flambers

Raymond and Smid are candidates.

Bollig could be another.

Stajan had a cut and left the game, no clue if its okay....

Wideman over Smid.

McGrattan over Bollig.

I think Stajan got cut early in the game and came back after getting stitched up... I thought I read that in Johnson's column this morning... only had 8 minutes of ice time though.

Looking at the choices, I think I'd rather roll the same forward line out there again, switch Johnny to Monahan's line and move Colborne back to the wing.

[sa226]

Its tough with Gaudreau because you want to play him with Backlund or Monahan. But then he gets tougher matchups. He's still finding his way and should probably be protected a bit.

[Vedder]

Originally Posted by flambers

Raymond and Smid are candidates.

Bollig could be another.

Stajan had a cut and left the game, no clue if its okay....

In a back to back situation I'd sit down McGrattan, which would make it easier to roll 4 lines. I'm guessing that's unlikely though.

[Hockey_Ninja]

23-1 Flames

Gaudreau (5)
Monahan(5)
Glencross (4)
Gio (4)
Hudler (3)
Byron (2)

Hiller puts the puck into his own net to make the Oilers feel better about themselves.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

23-1 Flames

Gaudreau (5)
Monahan(5)
Glencross (4)
Gio (4)
Hudler (3)
Byron (2)

Hiller puts the puck into his own net to make the Oilers feel better about themselves.

From the bench? That is impressive.

[endeavor]

Hoping to see first of many jersey tosses tonight.

[Hockey_Ninja]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

From the bench? That is impressive.

At the beginning of the game, becuase of the inevitable....

[Gaskal]

Dammit. I seriously want to see Gaudreau - Monahan - Colborne.



8-1 Flames.