Offence all around as Oilers fall in final rookie game against Flames: Game Recap, Highlights, and Reaction

The Flames tied it up with just under four-and-a-half minutes left in the first period. Nathaniel Day saved the initial shot, but the Flames were able to bang in the rebound to tie up the game heading into the first intermission.

With just over six minutes left in the second period, the Flames took the lead. A poor pinch allowed a two-on-one, and although Day made the initial save, the rebound was cleaned up by Nathan Brisson for the 2-1 lead.

The Flames added to their lead with 3:39 left in the second period, as another defensive breakdown allowed Matvei Gridin the open ice, with the Russian winger one-timing it past Day for a 3-1 lead.

It took all the way until the end of the second period for the Oilers to score their second goal of the game, a Lafrenière scored his second of the game on another one-timer. This time, it took a fortunate bounce off a Flame and into the back of the net.

Three minutes into the third period, the Flames regained their two-goal lead, as broken zone entry saw the puck find its way to Colton Alain, who picked his spot to give the Flames a 4-2 lead.

Shortly after the Flames made it 4-2, the Oilers got that goal back thanks to Josh Samanski. There was a collision near the Flames’ blue line, combined with a poor Flames’ change that led to a two-on-one. Quinn Huston passed it over to Samanski, who made no mistake in scoring his first of the game.

Once again, the Flames were able to restore their two-goal lead, this time on a power play just over seven minutes into the final frame. Parker Bell’s shot was deflected in by Hunter Laing, who was all alone beside Day, giving the Flames a 5-3 lead.

After sustained zone time midway through the third period, the Oilers cut the lead to one as Parker Von Richter’s point shot was that of a seeing-eye variety, finding a hole to beat Arsenii Sergeev.

Takeaways…

Between the pipes for the Oilers was Nathaniel Day, who allowed five goals on an unknown number of shots. The 20-year-old netminder had a solid first period, making three big stops, including this breakaway save.

The Oilers’ best player of the game was 2025 third-rounder Tommy Lafrenière, as the right-winger potted two goals. His linemate, 2025 fourth-rounder David Lewandowski, was great along the boards to set up Lafrenière’s first goal.

Matthew Savoie had another solid game. While he didn’t score two goals like he did on Friday, his playmaking and solid skating were on full display throughout the game. This play, midway through the third period, was his best of the game and should’ve resulted in a goal.

Ike Howard had another quiet game. The only time he was noticeable was when the Oilers had a man-advantage, but he did come close to setting up the game-tying goal late in the game.

Connor Clattenburg battled with Flames’ defenceman Mace’o Phillips throughout the game, laying down a few big hits throughout the game. He was quieter than in Friday’s game, but he still made an impact.

The Oilers open the pre-season next Sunday, as they play a split-squad game against the Flames, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary.