Edmonton Oilers top draft picks shine, burnout Calgary Flames with 3-0 shutout -NHL Preseason Update
Edmonton Oilers witnessed a preview of just what might their team become later on if their players continue to play with such enthusiasm and dedication. Top draft picks, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins each contributed in Edmonton’s shutout victory over
Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Sunday, September 25, 2011.
It was the third straight loss for Calgary Flames and second straight win for Edmonton Oilers, both neighbouring cities but different situations which could signal a turnaround for next season.
Edmonton’s dynamic duo, 2010 National Hockey League (NHL) first overall pick, Taylor Hall and 2011 top pick, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, led the way for Oilers and showed that they could work together.
“It’s fun to play with him”, Hall said after their first preseason game against Calgary on Saturday. “As the game went on, we spent less time in our end and way more time in their end”.
The first period remained scoreless followed by a highly intense second period in which Shawn Horcoff, Linus Omark and Jordan Eberle potted consecutive goals for Edmonton. After assisting Horcoff, Omark potted a goal of his own during a power play, followed
by Eberle on another added man advantage with less than two minutes remaining.
“It’s on purpose, I want to get better at that”, said Omark, who potted a goal and picked up an assit “I know that I can do the other stuff, so I want to hit some people, dump the puck sometimes”.
Edmonton’s goalie remained steadfast throughout the match, including the final period, shutting down Calgary by blocking all 30 shots taken on his net. Calgary on the other hand had their number-one, Miikka Kiprusoff in net and pulled him out after he let
two shots through. He was replaced by backup, Henrik Karlsson, who blocked 11 out of 12.
For Edmonton, it is a time to continue the winning streak as they are scheduled to go up against Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday, while Calgary Flames will stay at home as New York Islanders visit on the same day.
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