Three takeaways from the first Next Gen Showcase game

Hockey is officially back. Last night, the Calgary Flames’ rookies took on their Edmonton Oilers counterparts in the first of a two-game set. The season’s first installment of the Battle of Alberta went Calgary’s way. The Flames took down the Oilers 6-5, with some scares along the way. Today, we look at the three main takeaways from last night.

Scoring prowess

Last season, the Flames struggled offensively, so seeing their prospects score six is a promising sight. The game was delayed half an hour due to issues surrounding the arena, but once the puck dropped, it got started quickly. Four minutes in, Viljami Marjala opened the scoring for Edmonton, sliding one past Owen Say on a breakaway. However, the Flames quickly got their feet under them and responded.

A little over three minutes later, Hunter Laing put the puck past Samuel Jonsson after he made incredible efforts to keep the goal from happening. 2024 second-round pick Jacob Battaglia took advantage of an Oilers turnover and passed the puck over to Nathan Brisson. Brisson was able to score and give Calgary the lead. From there on, they never once looked back.

The rest of the goal scorers were Samuel Honzek to make it 3-1, Aydar Suniev for the 4-1 goal, Matvei Gridin to make it 5-2, and Parker Bell to make it 6-2. While afterwards, Edmonton fought hard and ended the game 6-5, the scoring touch was something to be impressed by. Especially since players like Zayne Parekh, Cullen Potter, and Cole Reschny did not play. Parekh didn’t play due to injury precautions, and the latter two because of their college commitments.

Matvei Gridin

Sam Honzek’s goal was from a Matvei Gridin shot that Honzek deflected with his skate. Later on, Gridin scored, putting it off 4the back of the Oilers’ netminder and into the net. Gridin, who was selected 28th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, the pick was acquired in the Elias Lindholm trade. For fans and reporters alike, Gridin was seen as the best Flame on the ice.

The QMJHL Rookie of the Year was a standout as he tries to make the opening roster on October 8. It wasn’t just his scoring that made him impressive. He was strong everywhere else, strong on his feet, strong in battles; he was a complete player last night. He used his strength to his advantage, fighting 50/50s and going into the corners and along the boards.

Transition/forecheck game

In transition, the Flames got going quickly and caught the Oilers flat-footed multiple times. Forcing turnovers and capitalizing, or turning the play around the other way, catching Edmonton off guard. One amazing example is Maceo Phillips intercepting the puck at the Flames’ blue line and hand-manning the puck up to Suniev. From there, Suniev executed a quick give-and-go, shooting a one-timer from above the circles.

This kind of quick play was almost nonexistent with the Flames’ regulars last year, and seeing the prospects execute it is extremely promising. That wasn’t the only example of their high-octane play. The previously mentioned goal scored by Jacob Battaglia was created by their high-pressure play. As the Oilers tried to create a counter-attack of their own, they immediately turned the puck over. Battaglia quickly put the puck towards the Oilers’ net for Nathan Brisson to redirect it.

A great performance isn’t where the work ends. The prospects face off once again on Sunday afternoon at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT. Then on Sunday, September 21, the Flames begin their official preseason as they tune up for the season opener on October 8.