Matthew Tkachuk scores hat trick in Game 1 win

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The first game in the Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers had plenty of hype and it was a wild start of the series. Calgary scored two goals in the opening 51 seconds of the first period for the fastest two markers in a playoff game in NHL history.

Calgary had a 6-2 lead at the 8:24 mark of the second period, but the Oilers rallied back to tie the game. Fortunately, for the Flames they were able to regain the lead shortly after Edmonton tied it.

Wednesday’s match was the 14th in NHL history to feature two teams combining for 11-plus goals through the first two periods. The final score of 9-6 probably did not make it a fun game for the coaches or the goaltenders, but it delivered plenty of action, offense and entertainment for everyone else.

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NEW YORK RANGERS 1 CAROLINA 2 (OT) – Hurricanes lead series 1-0

Ian Cole was the unlikely hero of Game 1 with the overtime winner just 3:12 into the extra period. He had two goals in 75 matches during the regular season and one goal over 103 playoff matches going into Wednesday’s contest.

Sebastian Aho’s third goal of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which snapped a five-game goalless skid, tied the game with only 2:23 remaining in regulation.

Flip Chytil netted the lone goal for the Rangers 7:07 into the first period.

Alexis Lafreniere, Seth Jarvis, Teuvo Teravainen, Brendan Smith and Jesperi Kotkaniemi posted one assist each.

Antti Raanta shielded 27 of 28 shots in the victory. He has won his past two outings.

Igor Shesterkin made 24 saves on 26 shots in the loss. His three-game win streak is over.

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EDMONTON 6 CALGARY 9 – Flames lead series 1-0

Matthew Tkachuk scored a hat trick for Calgary. including the final two goals of the contest. He also posted a game-high eight shots.

Andrew Mangiapane and Rasmus Andersson provided one goal and two assists each for the Flames, while Leon Draisaitl did the same for Edmonton.

Connor McDavid led the way for the Oilers with one goal and three helpers.

Hampus Lindholm and Kailer Yamamoto registered one goal and one assist each.

Blake Coleman and Zach Hyman had two goals apiece.

Johnny Gaudreau collected three assists, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two

Evan Bouchard and Brett Ritchie also lit the lamp in the match.

Mikael Backlund, Trevor Lewis, Tyler Toffoli, Calle Jarnkrok and Noah Hanifin earned one assist apiece.

Jacob Markstrom stopped 22 of 28 shots in the win. He has won his past two starts.

Mike Smith gave up three goals on 10 shots prior to being pulled just 6:05 into the game. Mikko Koskinen stopped 32 of 37 shots in relief to take the loss.