In Calgary, Connor McDavid’s 31st goal of the season came on the power play at 7:26 of the third period to snap a 1-1 tie with the Flames and send the Edmonton Oilers to a 2-1 win on Tuesday night.
“I’m always trying to play well, like everybody is,” McDavid said. “I’m no different than anybody else. I’m just trying to play well and do my part and that’s all.”
McDavid has an active 16-game point streak.
Stuart Skinner made 46 saves in the Edmonton win.
The Oilers improved to 19-15-2.
Mikael Backlund gave the Flames a 1-0 lead at 1:12 of the middle frame.
“It’s tough,” Backlund said. “It would have been a great feeling to score there, but it’s almost worse hitting the posts then them making saves. So, just inches away from it being tied. A lot of posts and bars right now.
“I don’t think it’s bad luck or anything, it’s just the way it is right now. We’ve got to keep shooting, create chances. We’ve got to score more than one to win.”
Tyson Barrie tied the game,1-1, in the second period for the Oilers.
For Barrie it was his 100th NHL goal.
“It’s great,” Barrie said. “It’s a long way from where I started, and I remember my first goal. I’m lucky to have played as long as I have and been given opportunities to be offensive. It’s a cool little milestone. It’s behind me now. Looking ahead.”
Calgary dropped to 16-13-7.
“It’s a tough game after the break,” Barrie said. “Travel the day of and come into a tough building in a big game where we’re both battling for points. ‘Stuey’ was great tonight. But it was a gritty … [and] we found a way. Coming down the stretch here, we’re going to need to be able to play those low-scoring games and find a way to button it up.”
Jacob Markstrom made 20 saves in the Flames loss.
“We had a great road trip. We got seven out of eight points (3-0-1 prior to the holiday break),” Markstrom said. “You carry that with you for sure. We had a nice skate this morning and nice few days break with the family and everybody’s excited to get back in there. I thought it showed today, but it’s still a loss. Our division here is tight and we can’t lose these tight games.”
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