The game comes after two days of intense practices under the watchful eye of new Flames head coach Bill Peters. Prospects were put through the paces on Friday and Saturday, building a foundation to ensure they'll be ready for the pre-season games that will be played while the veteran roster is away for the 2018 O.R.G. NHL China Games.
"We want to play fast so you've got to be able to execute and think the game at a high level and at a fast pace," Peters explained.
"They're going to play the same way we are so whether you end up here or Stockton, some guys back to junior, whatever it may be, you want them to take away the way we're going play, the way we're going to practice … the tempo you practice at and the intensity you practice at."
While Peters has been on the ice for the first two practices, he'll be taking a hands-off approach to Sunday's game.
"I won't be on the bench," Peters confirmed. "I'll be watching. It'll be nice, that way you can just pay attention to guys and dial in on a few specific things … I'll let Cail (MacLean) and his guys run the bench."
While lines and pairings for Sunday's tilt have not been confirmed, the trio of Spencer Foo, Dillon Dube and Andrew Mangiapane skated as a line on Friday and Saturday. They also skated together on a powerplay unit, alongside Brett Pollock and Oliver Kylington. Given their usage in practices, the three could act as the Flames' top line against the Oilers.
Another player who could log his fair share of ice time is defenceman Juuso Valimaki. The 2017 first-round pick skated with Kylington on Friday and primarily with Adam Ollas Mattsson on Saturday. He also took part in powerplay drills, on a unit Matthew Phillips, Adam Ruzicka, Milos Roman, and Glenn Gawdin.
"He's a very focused young guy. A very good player - a big , strong player who moves the puck well," Peters said of Valimaki. "I know that just from the video they've put together that I've watched of him. I'm excited about seeing him play Sunday."
