Monday night’s game between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers was undoubtedly one of the most exciting games of the preseason and has already started some bad blood between the provincial rivals.
Related: Oilers’ Josh Archibald Diagnosed with Myocarditis Heart Condition
In the third period, Oilers captain Connor McDavid made a great individual effort dancing around several Flames defenders before cutting to the net and delivering a pass to Jesse Puljujarvi who fired home the go-ahead goal to put his team up 4-3. On the play, however, Chris Tanev slid in an attempt to cut McDavid off and dangerously tripped him into goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The Oilers superstar wasn’t a fan of the play and spoke on it after the game.
“Obviously they have the right to defend their net and defend me trying to get in there, but when the stick comes into the feet there like Tanev’s did, it’s a dangerous play for me and for the goalie,” McDavid said. “I don’t want to go flying in there, the goalie doesn’t want me flying in there, and the guy that’s left safe is the defenceman that is sloppy with his stick.
When the stick gets caught up in the feet and sends someone into the net, you’d like to start seeing that called a little more.”
The Oilers were able to win this game by a final of 4-3, despite trailing at the midway point 3-0. It was a great comeback that saw them take over the game during the second half, as their skill was on pure display and simply overpowered the Flames, who had a lineup that will be quite similar to their opening night roster for the 2021-22 season.
McDavid Not Hurt
Thankfully, McDavid wasn’t injured on the play as he was in a similar incident involving Mark Giordano seasons ago. He did say he took a moment to sit there and self-assess what hurt. He noted he was good to go, but hinted that next time, someone won’t get to skate away from a play like that — one of the goalie or himself.
Of course, driving the net like he does can result in dangerous plays, but it is clear the 24-year-old isn’t going to shy away from it. His magic was on clear display for everyone watching the game last night, and he should be in for a massive 2021-22 season. He truly may flirt with 150 points this season.
Next: Crosby, McDavid, and Pietrangelo Named to Canada’s 2022 Olympic Team
Pingback: Senators' Owner Eugene Melnyk Refusing to Talk to Brady Tkachuk
Pingback: Senators’ Owner Eugene Melnyk Refusing to Talk to Brady Tkachuk – Hockey 1 on 1
Pingback: Robin Lehner Agrees to Push For Change With NHL Behind Closed Doors