Can't think of a better way to start the season than a good ol' fashioned Battle of Alberta! Especially since we've been kicking the Greaser's collective asses in regular season play the last couple of years or so (I think they've won 2 of 18 contests in regulation).
Tonight, the Flames will be looking to prove that last season's early play-off exit was an aberration. Scoring some goals on a spectacularly unimpressive Oiler defense group would be an excellent way to start. In contrast, Edmonton will be looking to prove that their extended cup run was NOT a fluke - and that Chris Pronger wasn't the main horse dragging along a broken carriage.
Keys to the match:
- Flames have to score more than 2 goals. The Oil can roll 3 lines of tricky forwards, so grinding out a 1-0 win probably isn't in the cards.
- Kipper. Let's face it - if Miikka plays the way he did during the preseason, this game's going to be a very long one for the Flames.
- Line match-ups. Calgary's 2nd line - Huselius, Lombo and Amonte, is probably their weakest defensively. MacTavish will no doubt look to get the Horcoff line out against Lombo's unit whenever possible. Unfortunately the Oilers have last change being the home team, so Calgary will have to find creative ways to counter.
- Secondary attack. Playfair has put all his eggs in one basket by combining Langkow with Iginla and Tanguay. The Flames will have to find a way to generate scoring chances with the other lines to stay competitive.
- High pressure forecheck. After Staios and Smith, the Oilers have a lot of young and inexperienced d-men (Greene, Hejda, Smid). The Flames should look to exploit this weakness by applying pressure as swiftly as possible whenever they cross Edmonton's blueline. turn-overs should ensue.
Go Flames Go!
