Edmonton-Calgary: Oilers Douse Flames

It was a game that really showed what a Battle of Alberta should look like; high scoring, a couple of fights, a brawl, and heightened hatreds.

Last night, the Edmonton Oilers dominated the Calgary Flames in a 5-0 shutout, one of four for goalie Mathieu Garon this season.  Everything went right for the Oilers, and considering their season, it's about time something has.

Yesterday's game was preceded by coach Craig MacTavish's announcement that No. 1 center Shawn Horcoff would be out for the rest of the season, due to a shoulder injury that will require surgery.

After several months of heinous losing skids, copious amounts of shootouts, and off-and-on injuries to many of their key players, the tides seem to be turning in Edmonton's favour.

Ales Hemsky looked top-notch. The passes that usually go to where someone should be, but isn't, were finding people exactly where they were supposed to be. Garon was amazing in goal, stopping weak shots and potential game shifters alike. Captain Ethan Moreau showed exactly why he is wearing the "C" this year with an assist and a fight.

Not surprisingly, in a rough game like it was, Zach Stortini, leading man for the Oilers' muscle, had two fights and, when he needed to, refrained from getting into a third. This, despite Calgary's desperate and somewhat underhanded attempts to reel him into the third one.

As well, Garon showed a little grit after a cheap hit on one of his teammates. He went after the guy, and an all-out brawl ensued. Opposing goaltender Curtis Joseph came halfway down the ice to confront Garon, but the refs stopped the fight before it had even begun.  However, it had the potential to be as exciting as the Atlanta brawl that Ty Conklin fought in.

With another matchup Saturday in Calgary, tempers will still be high, and Calgary will be looking to prove that they aren't pushovers. It should be intense.