REPORT: Calgary Flames make SURPRISE goaltending decision against Oilers tonight

The Battle of Alberta is alive and well, but it might not be as entertaining physically this year without Tkachuk on the Flames and Kassian on the Oilers.

Last season the two teams met in the second round of the playoffs, in which game 1 turned into a high scoring affair, which the Flames ended up prevailing. The Oilers then went on to win 4 straight and eliminate the Flames from the playoffs.

Tonight the Edmonton Oilers host the Calgary Flames in the first meeting of the season and there is some surprising news coming out of Calgary for the goaltending position.

The Flames have played one game this season so far, which was a 5-3 win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, in which Jacob Markstrom stopped 22 of 25 shots to hold the victory on Thursday.

Tonight the Flames are choosing to go with backup goalie Daniel Vladar against their province rival.

Dan Vladar is the first goalie off the ice at morning skate.� Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) October 15, 2022

Vladar had a very good pre-season, which many actually discussed him stealing the starting gig away from Markstrom this season.

Vladar had a 0.942 SV% in the preseason. Looks like he's getting the start tonight in Edmonton.

Surprising for sure, but a huge show of faith in Vladar. #Flames https://t.co/zqWFkSqvFy� Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) October 15, 2022

While this may sound like a poor move playing your backup against a division rival, the Edmonton Oilers have not been kind to Markstrom in the past and it might be the smart move giving the net to someone else for a chance at the Oilers.

In nine game v. Markstrom last season the Oilers scored 38 goals.
In four regular season games Markstrom allowed 14 and had an .884Sv%
In five playoff games Markstrom allowed 24 goals and had an .852Sv%.

Make sense Sutter is giving Dan Vladar the start in goal tonight. #BOA� Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) October 15, 2022

MUST READ

8 minutes ago  |  By James Connelly Insider reveals shocking news regarding Rangers captain Jacob Trouba: he may lose the 'C'

38 minutes ago  |  By Julien Trekker Evgeni Malkin Receives Maximum Fine from the DoPS for Dirty Slash on Boston Bruins Young Defenseman

1 hour ago  |  By Julien Trekker Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins loses it after dirty move by MacKenzie Weegar

2 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators swap goalies in surprising trade

16 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Toronto Maple Leafs connected to trade negotiations with the Montreal Canadiens by insider

22 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Elliotte Friedman links promising Montreal Canadiens forward to the Pittsburgh Penguins

23 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente New York Rangers GM Chris Drury has just placed another important key player on trade block

Nov 29  |  By Daniel Lucente 2021 first overall pick Owen Power may be available in a trade

MORE STORIES