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NHL fans on social media reacted as the Edmonton Oilers edged past the Calgary Flames 4-2 in their second "Battle of Alberta" clash on Sunday.
It marked the second straight game the Oilers played without captain Connor McDavid, who left in the first period against the Blue Jackets last month due to an ankle injury.
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With the win, the Oilers improved their record to 6-5-1, marking the first time they have gone above .500 this season. Here's how fans on X/Twitter reacted to the Edmonton Oilers win in the "Battle of Alberta."
One humorously tweeted:
"Time to trade mcdavid."
Another chimed in:
"Great 60-minute game. Are Oilers better without McDavid or has the team finally stepped up in his absence?
Here are some of the other top reactions on X:
"Hyman just needed 1 goal to get going. Back to back games with a goal & playing with confidence. Draisaitl continues to carry this team on his back with McDavid out. 2nd straight game, his line sets the tempo with a strong first shift & quick goal. Stu Skinner, solid game tonight," a second user commented.
"This team is so stressful sometimes man lol but they are finding ways to win without mcdavid and that’s a very good thing," one user tweeted.
"Is it just me or does it feel. Like they still aren't playing good. But yet. 6-2-1 on last 9 is legit," another fan wondered.
"Well done guys. We have started to show up. Every single line. Lets go!!!," tweeted another fan.
How Edmonton Oilers downed Calgary Flames in "Battle of Alberta"
Leon Draisaitl put the Oilers up 1-0 just 20 seconds into the first period. At 8:12, Jeff Skinner extended their lead. Anthony Mantha scored on the powerplay to bring the Flames within one.
In the third period, Yegor Sharangovich tied it for the Flames at 4:28. However, Zach Hyman and Mattias Janmark sealed a 4-2 win for the Oilers at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The "Battle of Alberta" is now tied 1-1, with the final showdown set to take place in March at Rogers Place. The Edmonton Oilers host the New Jersey Devils next at Rogers Place on Monday.
The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. ET.
