The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers met for the third time this season – and the second time in just five days – on Saturday night in another edition of the Battle of Alberta. After being sent home with a blowout loss by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl before the holidays, Calgary got revenge with a win at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and Ryan Lomberg was in the middle of the action.
Despite only playing 7:28 minutes, Lomberg made a huge impact, bringing his usual buzzsaw energy, scoring six goals and even contributing offensively with a breakaway goal in the second period.
That all-important score came after Lomberg picked off a D-to-D pass from Alec Regula and then rifled the top corner past goalkeeper Connor Ingram. It was no surprise that he played in front of the crowd in celebration, and after the big win he further endeared himself to Flames fans, throwing punches at Regula, Ingram and the Oilers.
When asked what he saw on the target, Lomberg said:
“A lot of net. I have a little Pizza 73 deal here. So I think (Alec) Regula, whatever his name was, he might be able to help with some of that. I told him I gave out some pizzas during the break, and that wasn’t my intention. I thought we were going around town handing them out, but no, good for him. Shout out to Pizza 73. Great pizza. Just put it in the oven right there,”
Lomberg’s goal was only his third of the campaign, taking his season tally to four points (three goals, one assist) in 34 games played. The 31-year-old is a pending UFA in the final year of the two-year, $4 million contract he signed to join Calgary in free agency in 2024.
The Oilers have circled February 4 on their calendar
As if the Battle of Alberta didn’t already have enough heat, Lomberg has certainly spiced things up and set the stage for a thrilling finale in Calgary in just over a month.
The Flames and Oilers meet for the fourth and final time of the season in early February at the Saddledome, where Edmonton will look to secure a series split against its bitter rivals.
It could be a big game for both teams, especially with Calgary making a surprise return to the playoffs after a terrible start. So buckle up and expect Lomberg to make his mark no matter how little ice time he gets.
Next: Oilers made a pitch to go all-in on trade for Kraken Star Forward
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