The NHL regular season kicks off with an exciting game between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Set for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, this game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ at 10:00 PM. As both teams begin their campaigns, fans can anticipate a thrilling start to the season.
The Calgary Flames, under the guidance of head coach Ryan Huska, look to improve upon their previous season’s record of 41-27-14. Last season, the Flames finished 9th in the Western Conference and 4th in the Western Pacific Division, missing the playoffs. With a strong division record of 16-10, the Flames aim to make a deeper impact this season.
Edmonton Oilers, led by Kris Knoblauch, are coming off a successful season with a 48-29-5 record. Having reached the Stanley Cup Final last year, the Oilers are the favorites in this matchup, with odds favoring their victory. As both teams compete in the Western Pacific Division, this game sets the stage for an early divisional battle.
Oilers vs Flames At a Glance
- Game Venue: Rogers Place
- Game Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Calgary Flames Last Season Record: 41-27-14
- Edmonton Oilers Last Season Record: 48-29-5
- MoneyLine Odds: Edmonton Oilers -229, Calgary Flames +190
Edmonton Oilers Kick Off Season Against Flames: A New Beginning
Edmonton Oilers Star Players
Connor McDavid remains a pivotal figure for the Edmonton Oilers, having recently signed a two-year contract extension worth $12.5 million annually. This decision highlights his commitment to the team and their pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Leon Draisaitl, McDavid’s linemate, continues to be a powerhouse for the Oilers. Last season, he recorded 52 goals and 54 assists in 71 games, demonstrating his value as a top-tier offensive threat.
Defenseman Evan Bouchard also played a crucial role last season, contributing 14 goals and 53 assists over 82 games. Bouchard’s presence on the blue line provides the Oilers with a strong offensive defenseman capable of making significant contributions.
Key Players to Watch
Zach Hyman, who scored 27 goals last season, is a critical component of the Oilers’ offense. However, his absence due to an upper body injury, placing him on long-term injured reserve, could impact the team’s scoring depth early in the season.
Jake Walman is another player to keep an eye on as he recovers from an undisclosed injury. His performance alongside Darnell Nurse could be vital for the Oilers’ defensive stability.
With Hyman out, newly acquired David Tomasek is expected to make his NHL debut. Tomasek’s size and offensive skills could provide valuable secondary scoring for the Oilers.
Goaltending Dynamics
The Oilers’ goaltending situation remains in flux, with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard yet to be confirmed for the upcoming game. The team recently acquired Connor Ingram, who could challenge for an NHL role if Skinner or Pickard struggle.
Skinner’s performance will be closely monitored this season, especially given the Oilers’ need for consistent goaltending to complement their high-powered offense.
Ingram’s past struggles with a save percentage of 0.882 last season suggest he may need time to regain form, but his underlying metrics indicate potential for improvement.
Oilers’ Depth and Prospects
Noah Philp is projected to be a solid bottom-six centerman for the Oilers this season. If given consistent ice time, he is expected to score between 9-12 goals, enhancing the team’s depth.
Top prospect Matt Savoie is anticipated to provide a youthful boost to the roster. His speed and offensive instincts have drawn attention, making him a potential key contributor in the Oilers’ lineup.
Isaac Howard, another promising prospect, will debut alongside Savoie, offering fresh energy and potential scoring opportunities as they begin their NHL careers.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Puckline All Games: 37-28 (56.9%)
- O/U Last 10: 2-8 (20.0%)
Flames Ignite the Season: Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers Preview
Flames’ Skaters to Watch
Nazem Kadri is coming off a career-high season with 35 goals and 67 points, making him a pivotal player for the Flames. His chemistry with Adam Klapka, evident in recent preseason games, is something fans will be watching closely.
Jonathan Huberdeau, although sidelined with an undisclosed injury, is expected to make a strong return when healthy. His absence will be felt, but it opens the door for players like Joel Farabee to step up in the lineup.
Defense and Goaltending
MacKenzie Weegar remains a key piece on the defensive end, having contributed 47 points last season while maintaining a strong physical presence with 223 hits. He will need to lead the defensive core, especially if any trades occur involving other defensemen.
Dustin Wolf is expected to shoulder a significant load in goal this season, especially with the backup situation uncertain. His performance will be crucial as the Flames aim to secure a playoff spot.
Emerging Talent
Matvei Gridin, one of the younger players on the roster, has shown promise during training camp and preseason games. As a teenager on the roster, his development will be crucial for the Flames’ future success.
Zayne Parekh is another young talent to watch, particularly on the power play. While he has struggled with the pace at times, his potential impact is undeniable.
Injury Impact
Both Jonathan Huberdeau and Martin Pospisil are starting the season on the injury reserve, which could impact the team’s performance in the early games. Their return will necessitate roster adjustments, possibly involving younger, waiver-exempt players.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 15-3 (83.3%)
- Puckline as Favorite: 14-4 (77.8%)
- O/U All Games: 23-35 (39.7%)
Oilers vs Flames Prediction: Over 6.0
The Oilers and Flames are set to begin their season, and looking at their recent performances, an offensive game could be on the cards. The Flames scored four goals in their recent shootout loss to the Jets, showing they can generate offense even without key players like Jonathan Huberdeau. With players like Nazem Kadri stepping up, the Flames’ capability to score is evident.
On the other side, Edmonton’s preseason displayed both potential and gaps in defense, as seen in their overtime loss to the Canucks. They have a history of high-scoring games, and with offensive powerhouses like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it’s likely they will be looking to capitalize against a Flames defense that has shown vulnerability.
Both teams’ recent games have seen high goal counts, suggesting that their defenses might not yet be in peak form. Edmonton’s struggles in goaltending, as highlighted by their preseason performances, mean they are prone to conceding goals, especially in fast-paced games typical of early-season matches.
Given the attacking talent and defensive questions on both teams, there’s a strong likelihood that the total goals will exceed the line of 6.0. Projecting a high-scoring start to the season, expect the offenses to dictate the game’s pace, leading to a final score favoring the over.
- Oilers vs Flames Prediction: Over 6.0
- Oilers vs Flames Score: Oilers 5 – Flames 3
