Oilers vs Flames: Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames Renew Rivalry in Preseason Battle of Alberta Split-Squad Showdowns

The Oilers vs Flames rivalry is back in focus as the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers face off tonight in split-squad preseason matchups. Fans on both sides of Alberta are gearing up for an exciting evening of hockey, with the intensity of the Battle of Alberta reigniting before the regular season begins. With two simultaneous games set to be played, both franchises will get an early chance to test their depth and shape their rosters.
Oilers Game Tonight and Flames Game Tonight: When and Where to Watch
Hockey fans won’t want to miss the action as both Oilers game tonight and Flames game tonight are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
-
Venues:
-
Rogers Place, Edmonton
-
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
-
-
Streaming Options:
-
Edmonton home game: Oilers+
-
Calgary home game: CalgaryFlames.com and the Flames App (within broadcast region)
-
This double-header offers a rare chance for fans in both cities to witness their teams in action at the same time.
Projected Calgary Flames Lineup
The flames are expected to roll out a mix of veterans and young players as they prepare for the season ahead. In Calgary, projected lines include:
Line | Forwards |
---|---|
1st | Matvei Gridin – Nazem Kadri – Matt Coronato |
2nd | Connor Zary – Mikael Backlund – Blake Coleman |
3rd | William Strömgren – Cole Schwindt – Matthew Phillips |
Defensive pairings are set to feature:
-
Nick Cicek – Rasmus Andersson
-
Joel Hanley – MacKenzie Weegar
-
Jake Bean – Zayne Parekh
These combinations highlight a strong veteran presence alongside younger talents eager to prove themselves.
Edmonton Oilers Lineup and Key Players
The Edmonton Oilers will ice split rosters featuring both experienced players and rising prospects. Among those drawing attention are Matt Savoie and Isaac Howard, both expected to play significant preseason minutes. The Oilers coaching staff will be closely watching their development as roster spots remain up for grabs.
Fans are also keeping an eye on how Edmonton balances its lineup around stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, particularly as contract discussions remain part of the broader storyline heading into the new season.
Why These Preseason Games Matter
Although preseason matchups do not affect the standings, tonight’s split-squad games carry weight for both franchises:
-
Calgary Flames:
-
Assessing chemistry between young forwards and established leaders.
-
Building momentum under veteran leadership, highlighted by Mikael Backlund’s recent two-year extension.
-
-
Edmonton Oilers:
-
Evaluating depth players fighting for a spot on the roster.
-
Preparing for another season with Stanley Cup aspirations.
-
For coaches and general managers, the oilers game and flames game tonight serve as a testing ground before finalizing lineups.
Recent Highlights from the Rivalry
The Oilers vs Flames matchup has never lacked drama. Earlier this year, Leon Draisaitl sealed a 3-2 overtime victory for the Oilers against the Flames, notching his 51st goal of the season. Games like these keep the rivalry burning and add intensity to every meeting, even in the preseason.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
The next official Oilers vs Flames clash is scheduled for October 8, 2025 at Rogers Place. With both teams vying for Pacific Division supremacy, every meeting is expected to have playoff implications. Tonight’s contests may not count in the standings, but they set the tone for the fierce battles to come.