• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

Calgary’s ‘Battle of Alberta’ Goal-Scoring Stars Could Soon Hit Market

  • Matthew Tkachuk, Andrew Mangiapane, and Johnny Gaudreau are all on expiring contracts.
  • The trio combined for four goals and five assists in Game 1 against Edmonton.
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The first postseason Battle of Alberta in over 30 years didn’t disappoint, thanks to a historic glut of goals.

On Wednesday in Calgary, the Flames and Oilers opened their conference semifinals series with 15 combined goals — the fifth-most in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.

The contest, which the Flames won 9-6, also featured the two fastest goals to open a playoff game when Calgary jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 51 seconds.

The Flames’ big scorers from Wednesday’s barnburner form the core of their red-hot offense — though all of them are on expiring contracts.

  • Matthew Tkachuk, who recorded his first career playoff hat trick after co-leading the team in goals in the regular season, is an RFA this offseason.
  • Andrew Mangiapane, who posted career highs across the board (35 G, 20 A, 55 P) and scored the record-setting second goal Wednesday, will also be an RFA.
  • Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary’s regular-season points (115) and assists (75) leader — who contributed three helpers in Game 1 — will be a UFA this offseason.

Edmonton wasn’t exactly goal-shy either, led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who combined for two goals and five assists. The pair have contracts tying them to the Oilers through 2025-26 and 2024-25, respectively.

Of course, the collective firepower was offset by some very poor defense.

Mike Smith allowed three goals on 10 shots before getting the hook, while backup Miko Koskinen had to face 37 shots. And Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom — a 2022 Vezina Trophy finalist — had his worst game of the playoffs, allowing six goals on just 28 shots.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jon Ledecky

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.

NHL Expansion Fee Soars to $2B As League’s Value Surges

The buy-in price for the league will more than triple.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) throws as quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on during rookie minicamp May 9, 2025, in Berea.
October 9, 2025

Browns Paying $41.6M to 8 QBs, but Only 2 Are on Their..

Cleveland traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals this week.
October 9, 2025

The Yankees’ $319M Roster Flopped. Now Comes the Hard Part: 2026

The MLB club’s current contracts limit its flexibility somewhat for next year.
October 6, 2025

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.