Alberta's provincial rivals are going to get to know each other rather quickly this season.
The Edmonton Oilers will christen their brand new Rogers Place Wednesday night (10 p.m. ET) as they welcome the Calgary Flames. Two night later, the Flames will get to play the role of host.
Both teams feature young stars trying to lift their teams into the playoff picture.
Connor McDavid, the 2015 top overall pick, provided a quick glimpse of his immense talent with 48 points in 45 games last season, but he also showed his leadership skills that's earned him the Oilers' captaincy for the 2016-17 campaign. McDavid becomes the youngest captain in NHL history.
Goosebumps. đź‘Ś #NHLFaceoff http://pic.twitter.com/PwyjR0D7KQ
— @EdmontonOilers
General manager Peter Chiarelli made significant changes to the Oilers by dealing Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for blue-liner Adam Larsson, and recently sent draft bust Nail Yakupov to St. Louis for a pick and a prospect.
Milan Lucic was also added to an Edmonton squad that appears desperate to work its way up the standings in the Western Conference after 10 straight seasons without a playoff appearance.
Cam Talbot has been confirmed as the starting goaltender for the Oilers.
Flames lock up future
The Flames solidified their future during the off-season by signing Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan to long-term deals.
Monahan agreed to a seven-year deal in August worth a reported $44.625 million US, while negotiations lingered on with "Johnny Hockey" until they reached agreement Monday on a six-year, $40.5-million pact.
Calgary finished fifth in the Pacific Division with 77 points last season (seven more than the Oilers), but will also have its work cut out for in the tough Western Conference.
The Flames will hope for a boost from rookie Matthew Tkachuk (sixth overall in 2016).
Matthew Tkachuk is ready to make his #NHL debut tonight in #yeg ~ https://t.co/1nkhl0uOFG #CGYvsEDM #GoTime http://pic.twitter.com/plXS2vRjIv
— @NHLFlames
Brian Elliott is No. 1 on the depth chart for the Flames, who have yet to name their starter for tonight.
Flames, Oilers begin season with Battle of Alberta matchup
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire