Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers: Jonathan Huberdeau Poised to Lead the Charge at Rogers Place

First Period

As the Calgary Flames prepare to face off against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, all eyes are on Jonathan Huberdeau, who is expected to be a key player for the Flaming C. The Flames have been showing a solid performance this season, and with Huberdeau's skill set, they are poised to make an impact right from the first period. The betting lines have shown some interesting movements in anticipation of this matchup. Currently, the Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers odds suggest a tight contest, with both teams having nearly equal chances of taking an early lead.

The Oilers, playing on their home ice, will look to capitalize on their familiarity with Rogers Place. Their aggressive style of play in the opening minutes could set the tone for the rest of the game. However, Calgary's defense, led by Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar, will be crucial in countering Edmonton's offensive threats.

Second Period

As we move into the second period, expect both teams to adjust their strategies based on how the first period unfolds. The Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers spread has seen some fluctuations as analysts weigh in on each team's mid-game adjustments. For Calgary, maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities will be essential. Players like Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund need to step up and support Huberdeau in breaking through Edmonton's defense.

On the other hand, Edmonton will likely rely on their speed and precision passing to keep Calgary's defense on their toes. With players like Connor McDavid leading their charge, any lapse in concentration from Calgary could prove costly.

Third Period

The third period is where games are often won or lost. The Flames will need to maintain their composure and focus if they want to secure a victory against their rivals. As fatigue sets in, depth players such as Ryan Lomberg and Blake Coleman might play pivotal roles in sustaining pressure and capitalizing on any mistakes made by Edmonton.

The betting odds have slightly favored Edmonton due to their home advantage; however, recent performances suggest that this game could swing either way depending on which team executes better under pressure. As always with these matchups, free picks for Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers highlight that special teams play could be decisive—watch for power plays and penalty kills that might tip the scales.

Fans can catch all the action live from Rogers Place in Edmonton on December 23rd at 9:00 PM EST via ESPN+. This highly anticipated clash promises excitement and drama as these two fierce competitors battle it out once again. Share this article with fellow fans as we gear up for what promises to be an electrifying encounter!