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Edmonton Oilers vs Calgary Flames Game Preview
The Battle of Alberta headlines opening week in the NHL as Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers begin their Stanley Cup quest against the Calgary Flames. With McDavid’s two-year extension finalized, the Oilers enter the season focused on converting elite regular-season dominance into postseason glory.
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Handicapping Membership
Line Movement and Odds
The Oilers open their 2025–26 campaign at Rogers Place on Wednesday night against rival Calgary. Puck drop is set for 9:00 PM ET, with ESPN+ and Sportsnet broadcasting the action nationally.
Edmonton opened as a −210 favorite, and the market has held steady, reflecting strong support for the home side. The total sits at 6.5 goals, with moderate juice to the over.
Current odds:
- Moneyline: Edmonton −210 / Calgary +175
- Puck Line: Edmonton −1.5 (+115) / Calgary +1.5 (−135)
- Total: Over 6.5 (−115) / Under 6.5 (−105)
Track updated NHL lines and totals on the scores and odds hockey page.
Matchup Breakdown
Connor McDavid’s contract extension — two years, $25 million — keeps Edmonton’s championship window open alongside Leon Draisaitl, forming the league’s most productive duo. The two superstars will open the season together on the top line with Trent Frederic, giving the Oilers unmatched offensive depth.
Edmonton went 3-1-0 in the preseason and has added two-way pieces to support its elite top six. Defensively, Jake Walman’s absence (undisclosed injury) forces Alec Regula into the top pair beside Darnell Nurse.
Calgary enters after missing the playoffs for three straight years but hopes for progress under coach Ryan Huska, who recently signed a two-year extension. The Flames will be without forwards Jonathan Huberdeau (lower body) and Martin Pospisil (undisclosed), both placed on injured reserve. Rookie Zayne Parekh, the 2024 No. 9 overall pick, made the roster but may be a healthy scratch.
The Oilers swept their last three season openers and have scored four or more goals in each. Calgary went 1-1-1 against Edmonton last season but enters this one shorthanded.
Injuries and Conditions
Edmonton Oilers
- D Jake Walman (undisclosed) out.
- D Alec Regula expected to start on top pair.
- F Ike Howard recalled from AHL Bakersfield.
Calgary Flames
- F Jonathan Huberdeau (lower body) out.
- F Martin Pospisil (undisclosed) out.
- F Sam Honzek recalled from AHL; likely to dress.
Weather: indoor arena — controlled conditions at Rogers Place.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Oilers’ offensive ceiling remains elite even without full defensive stability. Calgary’s depleted forward group limits scoring upside, making Edmonton’s puck line and team total appealing.
- Moneyline lean: Edmonton −210 — talent disparity and home-ice edge too wide.
- Total lean: Over 6.5 (−115) — Edmonton’s top line should overwhelm a short-handed Calgary defense.
- Projected Final: Edmonton 5, Calgary 2.
For cross-sport bankroll tips and NHL betting structure, review the expert betting guide.
Betting Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Edmonton −1.5 (+115) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Oilers 5 – Flames 2 |
| Total Lean | Over 6.5 (−115) |
| Market Split | 68% bets Edmonton, 59% money Calgary (public heavy on home side) |
Handicappers and Service Plays
Edmonton has covered the puck line in 6 of its last 8 home openers, while Calgary has gone under in 7 of its last 10 against Pacific Division teams. Consensus handicappers back the Oilers and Over, expecting McDavid’s top line to set the tone early in the season.
Compare expert hockey picks on the NHL picks page and view verified leaderboards on the best handicappers leaderboard before betting the Battle of Alberta.
