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Oilers go for second consecutive win vs. Flames

Oct 7, 2006 - 3:51 PM Edmonton (1-0-0) at Calgary (0-1-0) 10:00 pm EDT

CALGARY, Alberta (Ticker) -- Thanks to newcomer Petr Sykora, the Edmonton Oilers have drawn first blood in the latest edition of the "Battle of Alberta".

Sykora looks for more offensive success Saturday when the Oilers try to complete a sweep of the home-and-home series with the Calgary Flames, who will play their home opener.

Edmonton opened the campaign by raising their Western Conference championship banner before defeating their rival for the first time this season. The Oilers lost five of eight to the Flames last season and were 1-4-1 against them in 2003-2004.

After splitting time with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the New York Rangers last season, Sykora scored a pair of goals and added an assist Thursday to lead Edmonton to a 3-1 victory over Calgary.

A Stanley Cup winner with the New Jersey Devils in 1999-2000, Sykora netted his goals in a 3:06 span of the opening period against goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff. The second tally came on the power play.

Sykora recorded the 29th multi-goal game of his career. However, he has never had a hat trick in 10 seasons.

Daniel Tjarnqvist widened the margin when he scored with the man-advantage in the third period for the Oilers, who won despite being outshot, 32-22.

Jarome Iginla scored in the third period for the Flames after being stopped on a penalty shot in the opening session by netminder Dwayne Roloson, who finished with 31 saves.

In a game that featured 24 penalties, Calgary failed to score on nine power-play attempts. The Flames will look to improve on their 7-6-5 mark in home openers.