The Battle of Alberta delivered another chapter of intensity and drama as the Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, December 27, 2025. With the puck dropping at 10 p.m. ET, fans across North America tuned in via ESPN+ and FOX Sports to witness two Western Conference rivals clash in a matchup that would not disappoint. For both teams, this midseason contest carried extra weight—not only because of their storied rivalry, but also due to the playoff implications and individual milestones on the line.
Heading into the game, the Oilers boasted a 19-13-6 record, good for sixth place in the Western Conference, while the Flames trailed at 15-18-4, sitting at 13th. Edmonton was coming in as the odds-on favorite, with a puck line of -1.5 and a moneyline of -142, while Calgary entered as the underdog at +1.5 puck line and +120 moneyline. The over/under was set at 6.5 goals, reflecting expectations of an offensive showdown between two squads known for their scoring prowess—and defensive lapses.
The Oilers had established themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams, ranking third in the NHL with 130 goals (3.4 per game). Their power play was nothing short of lethal, converting on a league-best 34.29% of opportunities and netting 36 power-play goals on 105 chances, the second-most in the NHL. Edmonton also contributed four shorthanded goals, ranking sixth among all teams. Yet, their defensive struggles were apparent, as they ranked 29th in goals against, conceding 126 goals (3.3 per game). Their +4 goal differential was still ninth-best in the league, a testament to their firepower up front.
Leading the Oilers’ charge was none other than Connor McDavid, who, at the time of the game, had racked up 67 points in 38 games (23 goals and 44 assists). McDavid’s linemate Leon Draisaitl was not far behind, tallying 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points in as many games. Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman rounded out a potent attack, each contributing key goals and assists throughout the season.
The Flames, meanwhile, were looking to turn their season around. With just 96 goals scored (2.6 per game, 29th in the NHL) and 111 goals conceded (three per game, 15th in the league), Calgary’s -15 goal differential highlighted their struggles at both ends of the ice. Their power play had been a sore spot, converting at a mere 13.56%—ranking 30th in the league—but their penalty kill was a bright spot, leading the NHL with six shorthanded goals. Flames fans were hopeful that key players like Nazem Kadri (eight goals, 23 assists), Rasmus Andersson (seven goals, 18 assists), and Mikael Backlund (nine goals, 13 assists) could spark a turnaround.
Both teams entered the contest shorthanded due to injuries. The Oilers were missing Noah Philp (upper body), Connor Clattenburg (eye), Jake Walman (lower body), Tristan Jarry (lower body), and Kasperi Kapanen (lower body). The Flames, on the other hand, were without Jake Bean (undisclosed), Martin Pospisil (undisclosed), and Samuel Honzek (upper body). Goaltending duties fell to Dustin Wolf for the Flames, who had allowed 76 goals with a 3.0 goals-against average and 644 saves, and Tristan Jarry for the Oilers, who had a 2.7 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.
The game itself was a showcase of skill, grit, and momentum swings. Early on, Calgary’s forward Blake Coleman made his mark, finding the back of the net and energizing the Saddledome crowd. Not to be outdone, Yegor Sharangovich added a tally for the Flames, while Mikael Backlund teamed up with Coleman to push the score to 3-1 in Calgary’s favor. According to the official recap, “Coleman and Backlund team up to make it 3-1,” highlighting the chemistry between the two veterans. Goalie Dustin Wolf was a wall in net, stopping 29 shots and frustrating Edmonton’s high-octane offense throughout the night.
Despite the deficit, the Oilers continued to press. Connor McDavid, determined as ever, managed to extend his point streak to 12 games with a timely goal, keeping Edmonton within striking distance and further cementing his status as one of the NHL’s elite. As reported, “McDavid extends his point streak to 12 games,” a remarkable feat that drew praise from teammates and analysts alike. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard also contributed, but the Flames’ defense held strong when it mattered most.
It was a hard-fought contest, with both teams trading chances and special teams playing a pivotal role. Edmonton’s power play, the best in the league, was given opportunities but struggled to solve Wolf and the Flames’ penalty kill. Calgary’s shorthanded prowess made life difficult for the Oilers, and the Saddledome faithful roared with each successful kill. The Flames’ six shorthanded goals on the season—first in the NHL—underscored their ability to turn defense into offense at any moment.
As the final horn sounded, Calgary emerged victorious, handing Edmonton a tough loss and igniting celebrations in the stands. The Flames’ 4-3 win, as predicted by several betting outlets, was a testament to their resilience and the importance of contributions from up and down the lineup. Blake Coleman and Yegor Sharangovich’s goals proved decisive, while Dustin Wolf’s performance in net earned him first-star honors. The Oilers, though disappointed, saw positives in McDavid’s continued brilliance and the fight they showed late in the game.
Looking at the broader picture, this result had implications for the Western Conference standings. Edmonton remained in sixth place, still well within playoff contention, but aware that defensive improvements were needed to make a deep run. Calgary, meanwhile, hoped that this victory would serve as a springboard for a second-half surge. The Flames’ ability to capitalize on special teams and get timely saves from Wolf were encouraging signs for head coach and fans alike.
Quotes after the game reflected the intensity and respect between the teams. As noted in the recap, “Coleman and Backlund team up to make it 3-1,” and “McDavid extends his point streak to 12 games.” These moments captured the essence of the rivalry: star power on display, momentum shifting with each shift, and a crowd fully invested in every outcome.
With the season now past its midway point, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this latest Battle of Alberta. Edmonton’s dynamic offense, led by McDavid and Draisaitl, remains a threat to any opponent, while Calgary’s defensive resolve and opportunistic scoring could make them a dark horse as the playoff race heats up. Injuries will be monitored closely, and fans can expect more fireworks when these teams meet again.
For now, the Flames enjoy bragging rights in Alberta, while the Oilers regroup and set their sights on the next challenge. One thing’s certain: when these rivals collide, hockey fans everywhere are treated to a spectacle worth watching.
