Flames Embarrassed 8-2 in Battle of Alberta

CALGARY, CANADA – APRIL 3: Nail Yakupov #64 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates a goal against the Calgary Flames on April 3, 2013 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHL via Getty Images)

It was another hard-to-watch game for Flames’ fans as the Edmonton Oilers steamrolled passed the Calgary Flames by a final score of 8-2. What made this even worse was that the Flames were at one time winning 2-0 after a pair of goals from Matt Stajan. Eight unanswered goals from the Oilers made it truly embarrassing to be a Flames fan, unless it’s looked at in a positive, rebuilding way.

Six different Oilers scored the 8 goals yesterday at the Scotiabank Saddledome with Jordan Eberle netting two back-to-back in the third period, while rookie, Nail Yakupov, also added two goals in the second and third periods. Taylor Hall was the biggest contributor for Edmonton, scoring once and assisting on four goals. The Oilers’ last three first-overall draft picks combined for eleven points.

Joey MacDonald saved 31 out of 39 shots while Oilers goaltender, Devan Dubnyk, stopped 19 of 21.

There is not much to say about a team that has lost all hope in making the playoffs, especially after losing to a team 8-2. A year ago, it could have very well been the Flames dominating the Battle of Alberta series and winning games by six goals.

It’s hard to sugar-coat a six-goal loss. There’s nothing to look forward to for Flames fans except the 2013 Draft. With three first-round picks, Calgary can get back into the playoffs by next season if management drafts properly.

The Flames travel to San Jose on Friday with a battle at the HP Pavillion against the new-look Sharks who recently shipped Ryan Clowe to the Rangers and acquired Raffi Torres minutes before the trade deadline. Calgary’s next three games are on the road and could all very well be losses. After all, the Flames are just 3-11-2 away from the ‘Saddledome.