The Calgary Flames enter their March 29, 2025, showdown against their provincial rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, carrying a season filled with peaks and valleys but still fighting for relevance in the Western Conference playoff race. With a current record hovering near .500, the Flames are battling for a wild card spot, and this “Battle of Alberta” couldn’t come at a more critical time. Every point matters down the stretch, and Calgary is well aware that a win against Edmonton not only brings vital points but also an emotional and psychological boost in one of the NHL’s fiercest rivalries. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Huska, the team has shifted toward a defense-first, structured system that emphasizes responsible zone coverage and limiting turnovers — a strategy that has kept them competitive in tight games. Offensively, the Flames are led by forward Jonathan Huberdeau, who is rebounding this season after a disappointing debut year in Calgary. Huberdeau leads the team in scoring, acting as the primary playmaker and offensive catalyst at even strength and on the power play. Nazem Kadri has also found his stride in recent weeks, bringing both offensive production and the kind of tenacity that defines Calgary’s identity. Andrew Mangiapane and Dillon Dubé provide the team with much-needed speed and grit on the wings, often creating pressure on the forecheck and forcing turnovers that lead to quick transition chances. The Flames average about 2.95 goals per game, a middle-of-the-pack figure, but their scoring often comes from a wide variety of contributors, which keeps opponents honest across all four lines.

On special teams, Calgary’s power play has been effective if unspectacular, converting just under 21% of their opportunities. While that number is not elite, it’s been reliable in close games. Where the Flames shine is on the penalty kill, which ranks in the top five league-wide. The aggressive, shot-blocking nature of their PK has been instrumental in their ability to stay competitive against more offensively gifted teams like Edmonton. This strength will be particularly critical in this matchup, as they’ll need to find a way to neutralize the Oilers’ league-leading power play, which features Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl operating at surgical precision. In goal, Jacob Markström has been the backbone of Calgary’s defense. After an inconsistent start to the season, Markström has found rhythm at a crucial time, posting a .916 save percentage over his last 10 starts. His ability to track the puck through traffic and make key saves late in games has bailed the team out on multiple occasions. Behind a relatively young but improving defensive corps that includes Rasmus Andersson and Noah Hanifin, Markström gives the Flames a fighting chance in any contest. On the road, Calgary has had mixed results, with a 4-6 record in their last 10 away games. However, they have played some of their best hockey when the stakes are highest, and a rivalry game like this one offers exactly that kind of setting. If the Flames can contain Edmonton’s speed, win the physical battles, and get timely saves from Markström, they have every chance to come out of Rogers Place with two massive points and renewed momentum as the regular season winds down.