3 major takeaways from the Edmonton Oilers' 4-1 loss to Calgary Flames

The Edmonton Oilers lost their third straight game to start the season on Sunday night, going down 4-1 against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. Jeff Skinner opened the scoring for the Edmonton Oilers early in the first period. However, that was all the offense the Oilers would get on the night.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Andersson, Anthony Mantha, and Justin Kirkland, who scored his first NHL goal, replied for the Calgary Flames. Connor Zary added an empty-netter with 23 seconds left in the game.

Overall, the Oilers were unable to overcome the Flames’ tight-checking game, leaving the Oilers searching for answers as questions continue to mount. So, let’s take a look at the three major takeaways from the Edmonton Oilers' 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Sunday night.

3 major takeaways from the Edmonton Oilers' loss to Calgary Flames

#3. The Oilers could not overcome the Flames’ tight-checking game plan

As has often been the case for the Oilers, their high-flying offense sputters against tight-checking teams. In this game, the Flames stifled the Oilers’ offense with hard-hitting defense and relentless forechecking.

Despite loading up the top line with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Viktor Arvidsson, the Oilers were unable to get much going against Dan Vladar and the Flames.

#2. The Oilers’ defensive breakdown allowed the Flames to capitalize

It’s worth pointing out that the Mathan and Kirkland goals were the result of defensive lapses. In the Mantha goal, Zach Hyman got outmuscled by Mantha, essentially allowing Mantha to park in front of the net. Mantha took a rebound and put it past Stuart Skinner.

In the Kirkland goal, the Flames' fourth line had a blue-collar shift. The puck came loose in front of the net despite several Oilers’ attempts to clear the zone, and a wide-open Kirkland picked it up and buried it home.

It’s hard to blame Skinner for both of those goals as he made the initial save each time. However, the Oilers failed to pick up the rebounds, allowing the Flames’ forwards to cash in.

#1. The disallowed goals were the difference

The Edmonton Oilers got two goals overturned. One goal was waved off due to an offside call. The second, however, was the most controversial, as the goal was overturned due to goalie interference.

With the Oilers up 1-0 in the first, a shot hit the Flames’ net with Corey Perry standing in front of the Vladar. Perry appeared to make contact with Vladar while standing in the blue paint. The shot got through making it 2-0 for the Edmonton Oilers.

But the Flames challenged and won. The review determined that Perry had interfered with Vladar, leaving the game 1-0. Had one or both of those goals counted, the Oilers could have easily gone up 3-0. Nevertheless, the goals didn’t count and the Oilers lost.

The Oilers will be looking to get their first win of the season on Tuesday night as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Place.