Edmonton swept the four-game series from the Flames last season and won 3-0 at Rogers Place on opening night. Edmonton is 2-1-0 in the past three games after going 2-5-1 in its previous eight. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who was selected by the Flames in the sixth round (No. 164) of the 2011 NHL Draft, will start for Edmonton. He is 0-4-1 with a 3.60 goals-against average and .876 save percentage in seven games this season. Mike Smith, who is 12-8-1 with a 2.54 GAA and .924 save percentage in 22 starts, will play for Calgary. The Flames are 4-2-1 in their past seven games.
Players to watch
Edmonton center Connor McDavid has 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in his past nine games. He scored all three goals in the Oilers' opening-night win. Calgary forward Sean Monahan has 10 points (six goals, four assists) in his past seven games.
They said it
"Huge. Massive game for us. We've played, I think, three or four divisional games. Those are the ones that are going to get you back in the fight. We need to find a way to get this one." -- Oilers captain Connor McDavid "When you're talking to the people on the street, they're very excited about this game. It's a rivalry here. It's going to be an exciting game. Plus, you're playing against maybe the best player in the world." -- Flames forward Jaromir Jagr
The Oilers held an optional skate. Stanton, who was recalled from Bakersfield of the American Hockey League on Friday, could play, according to coach Todd McLellan. Edmonton placed Larsson on injured reserve and claimed Walker off waivers Friday. … The Flames said Friday that Versteeg is month-to-month with a hip injury and will have surgery Monday in New York.
Stat pack
Letestu has four points (one goal, three assists) in his past two games. … Bennett has three assists in his past two games after starting the season with two assists in his first 23 games. Gaudreau has been held without a point in four of five games after getting 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in a 10-game point streak.
