Articles / Instant Reaction: Flames drop exhibition home-opener to Edmonton

Instant Reaction: Flames drop exhibition home-opener to Edmonton

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Flames Nation
Sep 22, 2025 2:33 AM

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In an exciting exhibition opener, the Calgary Flames faced off against the Edmonton Oilers, showcasing the skills of both teams as they prepared for the regular season. The Flames, led by key players such as Elias Lindholm and Jonathan Huberdeau, aimed to impress their home crowd but faced stiff competition from the Oilers. The matchup provided a perfect opportunity for fans to evaluate new strategies and player dynamics under the pressure of a rivalry game.

Throughout the game, the Flames displayed flashes of brilliance, but it was the Oilers who capitalized on their opportunities. Connor McDavid's remarkable speed and precision showcased why he is one of the league's premier players, delivering an electrifying performance that left fans cheering. As the Flames struggled to contain Edmonton's offensive depth, mistakes began to compound, leading to crucial goals for the Oilers.

Despite the loss, the Flames coaching staff emphasized the need for teamwork and refinement as the preseason progresses. Players like Rasmus Andersson and Jacob Markstrom made notable contributions, with Markstrom facing challenging shots but demonstrating resilience in the crease. Moving forward, Calgary will look to address their defensive lapses and rally together for their next exhibition game, seeking to build chemistry before the season kicks off.

With the rivalry igniting early this season, the Flames will be eager to sharpen their performance and reclaim bragging rights in the next matchup against the Oilers. Fans remain optimistic as they look forward to an action-packed NHL season ahead, filled with intense competition and thrilling moments on the ice.