The Calgary Flames find themselves on the ropes, as the Edmonton Oilers have now gained the series lead after Connor McDavid and company won Game 3 Sunday night. Will the Flames answer right back with a victory? Or will the Oilers win anew? Check out our preview below of this Flames vs. Oilers 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs game.
The Flames failed to extinguish Edmonton anew, as they lost in Game 3 on the road, 4-1. Calgary’s defense that looked vulnerable as early as Game 1 of this series is imploding. Jacob Markstrom did a fine job in front of the net in the early goings of Game 3 but he was absolutely dominated by Evander Kane and the Oilers in a disastrous second period for Calgary, which also lost the possession battle for the first time in the series. The Oilers’ speed is always going to be a problem for Calgary, but the Flames should also be able to have their way at least in terms of controlling the puck, as that’s one of their strengths this season. Calgary remains potent in driving the puck down the attacking zone and getting off shots, as underscored by their 5-on-5 58.32 xGF% in the series along with a 58.52 CF% ( 5-on-5 ).
The Flames are 5-5 in their last five games overall.
Evander Kane had quite a game Sunday, as he eviscerated Calgary with three goals, pulling that feat off in just one period. Kane now has 10 goals in the postseason, which is even more impressive when you consider the fact that he’s got Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid as teammates. Then again, anyone could shine on the ice for the Oilers with Draisaitl and McDavid making the right plays and attracting so much attention from opposing skaters. The Oilers now have Calgary backing up, so they will have to keep that pressure up after taking more shots in Game 3, 41-33. They went 0/5 on the power play in that game and are just 1/15 in this series, but they’re still averaging 5.0 goals per game in the second round.
The Oilers are 8-2 in their last 10 games as the home team.
