McDavid nets hat trick, leads Oilers' decisive win over Flames in Battle of Alberta
Jesse Puljujarvi adds goal, 2 assists in Edmonton's 2nd straight win to open season
Once again, Connor McDavid proved to be a problem for the Calgary Flames.
McDavid scored three goals to lead the Edmonton Oilers past Calgary 5-2 on Saturday night for their second straight win to start the season. McDavid has registered 26 goals in 31 career games against the Flames.
McDavid said the real story, however, was getting to face the rival Flames before a fired-up crowd again.
"Playing these guys 10 times last year with no fans got kind of stale," he said. "To have the passion back in the building and the fans as excited as they were, it's good to see that.
Jesse Puljujarvi had a goal and two assists for Edmonton (2-0-0). Derek Ryan also scored and Leon Draisaitl added three assists while goaltender Mike Smith made 45 saves.
WATCH | McDavid's hat trick leads Oilers in Battle of Alberta win:
Draisaitl said it has been amazing seeing Puljujarvi's progression with Edmonton after returning to Finland following his first go-around with the Oilers.
"He's getting better every day," Draisaitl said. "He is hard to play against.
Andrew Mangiapane and Elias Lindholm scored for the Flames (0-1-0), who have now lost a record 12 consecutive season-opening games.
"I thought we came out a little slow and they were scoring on their power play," Mangiapane said. "They obviously have a good power play.
"I think five-on-five it went pretty decent. We just have to come out a little better and maybe it's a little different tonight."
WATCH | A look at notable NHL milestones that could be set this season:
The Oilers were first on the scoreboard with seven minutes to play in the opening period. Warren Foegele spun a shot on Flames starter Jacob Markstrom and Ryan was there to convert the rebound.
Edmonton made it 2-0 on the power play with two-and-a-half minutes left in the first. Puljujarvi's shot went off a Calgary stick right to McDavid, who registered first goal of the season.
McDavid scored another power play goal five-and-a-half minutes into the second, firing in a one-timer from near the right face-off circle.
The Flames made it 3-2 five minutes into the third with another man advantage. Matthew Tkachuk made a nice pass from behind the net that allowed Lindholm to score.
However, Edmonton regained it's two-goal lead 26 seconds later. Cody Ceci sent Puljujarvi in alone and he made no mistake in putting his second of the season past Markstrom.
McDavid recorded his 11 career hat trick into an empty net.
The Flames resume play Monday hosting Anaheim. The Ducks will then head to Edmonton to face the Oilers on Tuesday.
WATCH | Burning questions for every Canadian NHL team:
