The Calgary Flames (15-17-4) head to Edmonton to battle the Oilers (18-13-6) in the Battle of Alberta, a heated rivalry matchup that’s the second meeting of the 2025-26 season. The Flames snapped a rough stretch with a convincing 6-3 win over Vegas on December 20, showcasing offensive depth led by Mikael Backlund’s two-goal performance, but their road inconsistencies (6-11-2 away) face a stern test against an Oilers team that’s won four of its last six, including a 4-3 victory over Vegas on December 21. Edmonton dominated the first head-to-head on October 8, winning 4-3, but Calgary’s recent form suggests a closer contest. Expect a high-energy, physical game with potential for high scoring, as Edmonton’s explosive offense (3.5 GPG, 6th in NHL) clashes with Calgary’s leaky defense (3.2 GAA, 22nd), though the Flames’ penalty kill (80.4%, 16th) could neutralize the Oilers’ power play (22.6%, 12th).
Venue Location
Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. This 18,347-seat arena has been a strong home for the Oilers this season (10-6-3), where they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 3.4-2.8 per game, fueled by a passionate crowd in rivalry matchups.
Puckdrop is set for 9:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on Sportsnet (Oilers feed) and SNW (Flames feed), with streaming available via ESPN+.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, but the Oilers’ goaltending depth is tested, potentially forcing a backup into action. Reports as of December 22 evening.
Calgary Flames:
Out: Sam Honzek (upper body, surgery – out six months, missed 14 games), Zayne Parekh (upper body, missed 16 games), Jake Bean (D, lower body surgery – out indefinitely), Martin Pospisil (C, out since Dec. 6), Jonathan Huberdeau (undisclosed – day-to-day).
Questionable/Probable: Kevin Bahl (illness – missed 1 game, probable).
Notable Notes: Honzek and Parekh’s surgeries deplete forward and defensive depth, forcing reliance on veterans like Backlund for heavy minutes. Bean and Pospisil’s absences weaken the blue line and center ice, but Huberdeau’s potential return adds scoring punch.
Edmonton Oilers:
Out: Tristan Jarry (G, lower body – out a couple weeks, IR since Dec. 19), Kasperi Kapanen (RW, lower body – IR, expected Jan 3), Jake Walman (D, IR since Dec 19), Jack Roslovic (C, out), Alec Regula (D, day-to-day), Noah Philp (out another week).
Questionable/Probable: No major day-to-day reported; the team is monitoring Jarry’s replacement.
Notable Notes: Jarry’s injury forces Olivier Rodrigue or a backup into net, a potential weakness against Calgary’s offense. Kapanen and Walman’s absences thin the wings and defense, increasing load on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Player Matchups
The Oilers’ star power meets the Flames’ gritty veterans, with injuries tilting key battles toward Calgary’s depth if Huberdeau plays.
Connor McDavid (EDM) vs. Mikael Backlund (CGY): McDavid (25 goals, league leader) brings unmatched speed (8 power-play goals) against Backlund’s defensive prowess (recent 2-goal game). McDavid exploits Calgary’s 22nd-ranked PK (79.2%), but Backlund’s checking could disrupt.
Leon Draisaitl (EDM) vs. Rasmus Andersson (CGY): Draisaitl (20 goals, 25 assists) faces Andersson’s blocking (85 blocks). Draisaitl’s post play tests Calgary’s interior D, while Andersson’s puck-moving creates counterattacks.
Stuart Skinner (EDM) vs. Dustin Wolf (CGY): Skinner (.910 SV%) vs. Wolf (recent strong outings). Skinner’s home form (.920 SV%) limits Calgary’s shots (29.2 per game, 15th), but Wolf’s agility could keep it close if Edmonton pressures.
Other Key Battles: Evan Bouchard (EDM, offensive D) vs. Jonathan Huberdeau (CGY, if probable); Zach Hyman (EDM, net-front) vs. MacKenzie Weegar (CGY, physical D).
Recent Team Forms
The Flames are heating up with two straight wins, while the Oilers alternate victories in a 4-2 stretch.
Calgary Flames (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Vegas Golden Knights | W 6-3 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Seattle Kraken | L (details partial, part of slump) |
| Dec 16 | vs. Vancouver Canucks | L |
| Dec 13 | @ Los Angeles Kings | L 1-2 |
| Dec 11 | vs. Calgary Flames (error, likely previous) | W |
Form: 2-3-0 in last 5, averaging 3.0 GPG while allowing 3.2. The Vegas win snapped a skid, with Backlund’s 2 goals and strong third-period execution (outscored 3-1).
Edmonton Oilers (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Vegas Golden Knights | W 4-3 |
| Dec 20 | vs. Minnesota Wild | W 5-2 |
| Dec 18 | @ Vancouver Canucks | L 4-5 (SO) |
| Dec 16 | vs. St. Louis Blues | W 2-1 |
| Dec 13 | vs. Winnipeg Jets | L 1-5 |
Form: 3-1-1 in last 5, averaging 3.2 GPG while allowing 3.2. The Vegas win extended a strong stretch, with McDavid’s multi-points, but the Canucks SO loss showed overtime struggles.
Series History
Edmonton holds a strong recent edge, going 13-6-1 in the last 20 games vs. Calgary. All-time, the Oilers are 62-80-7 in 149 road games against the Flames, but they’ve won 7 of the last 10 overall. The series has been competitive, with games averaging 5.8 total goals in the last 10, and the Oilers leading playoffs 5-1 in series.
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Betting Trends
Over is 4-1 in Oilers’ last 5 as favorites; under is 3-2 in Flames’ last 5 road games. Oilers 4-1 in last 5 vs. Flames; Flames 2-3 ATS after a win. Oilers 3-2 ATS in last 5 home games.
Game Odds
Calgary Flames 6.5
Edmonton Oilers – 166
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
