The Battle of Alberta is going outdoors tonight, as the Oilers and Flames are taking part in the 2023 Heritage Classic. The most exciting man on skates also may be zipping around at the outdoor game.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid is expected to make his return and be in the lineup tonight for Edmonton. The superstar has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury that he endured in an Oct. 21 game against the Jets.
The Oilers have looked far from the Stanley Cup contender they were touted to be heading into this season. Edmonton is 1-5-1 entering the Heritage Classic, currently on a four-game losing streak. The absence of McDavid has not helped with the poor start to the season.
As for McDavid, he's off to another strong showing. In the five games he has suited up for, he has two goals and six assists, recording at least one point in every game.
MORE: Where is the 2023 Heritage Classic being played?
Here is more on McDavid's status for the 2023 Heritage Classic.
Is Connor McDavid playing in the Heritage Classic?
McDavid is currently dealing with an upper-body injury that has kept him out of action the last week. After he was not expected to play in the Heritage Classic initially, it looks like he will return tonight for the Oilers.
As of last night after practice the plan was for McDavid to be in the lineup so barring a setback this morning, 97 will make his return against the Flames.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) October 29, 2023
McDavid practiced yesterday at Commonwealth Stadium with the team, taking part in both the team and family skate. He spoke with the Sportsnet panel afterwards, stating that he is "feeling better" and "everything is headed in the right direction."
Connor McDavid joins the panel live from Commonwealth Stadium. 🏟️#HeritageClassic | @EdmontonOilers pic.twitter.com/U0T0ERPNUR
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 29, 2023
Connor McDavid injury update
The Oilers said a week ago that McDavid was expected to miss one to two weeks as he recovered from the injury.
INJURY UPDATE ⬇️
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 22, 2023
Connor McDavid suffered an upper body injury during last night’s game vs. the Jets & is expected to be out of the #Oilers lineup for one to two weeks. pic.twitter.com/qU5dNKuUcC
During an Oct. 21 loss to the Jets, McDavid was unable to finish the game after suffering an apparent injury to the side/hip area. The team called it an "upper-body" injury and Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft referred to it after the game as "muscular."
The Sportsnet panel discussed a play in the first period involving Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey where McDavid may have been injured. Morrissey hauled McDavid down, causing the Oilers captain to land awkwardly and it appeared he reached for his side after the play. Morrissey received two minutes for holding as a result.
here, as noted by the sportsnet panel, is where connor mcdavid *might* have been injured. pic.twitter.com/GKwfWXLxR0
— zach (@zjlaing) October 22, 2023
McDavid continued to play throughout the game, but it was evident something was bothering him. He took his final shift with just under five minutes left in regulation, and did not play again in the third period or in overtime.
this was connor mcdavid’s final shift in the 3rd period. he reached for this left hip/side/back as he entered the offensive zone and did so again as he left the ice. pic.twitter.com/e5XEWojaM0
— zach (@zjlaing) October 22, 2023
Woodcroft on Mcdavid. “It appeared to be muscular... just to me as i watched during the play. we'll see. I’ll have more information tomorrow."
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) October 22, 2023
He added he hasn’t spoke to trainers yet.
A 1-3–1 start and potential McDavid injury. Couldn’t imagine a worse start for the Oilers.
What channel is Oilers vs. Flames on?
- TV Channel: TBS (U.S.) | Sportsnet (Canada)
- Live stream: TBS app, Sling TV (U.S.) | Sportsnet+ (Canada)
The Oilers vs. Flames Heritage Classic game will be broadcast on TBS in the United States. Typically, TNT is the home to hockey games on the Turner Sports network, however due to the scheduling conflict, the game will be on one of the network's other channels.
Fans can stream the game through the TBS app with a cable log-in. Cord cutters can use Sling TV to stream the game.
In Canada, Sportsnet will broadcast the game for the national audience. For those looking to stream the Oilers and Flames game, they can do so through Sportsnet+.
What time is the Heritage Classic on today?
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 29
- Time: 7 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. local time
The 2023 Heritage Classic has a scheduled puck drop for 7 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. local time in Edmonton on Sunday, Oct. 29.
Where is the 2023 Heritage Classic?
- Venue: Commonwealth Stadium
- City: Edmonton, Alta.
Commonwealth Stadium is the site of the 2023 Heritage Classic between the Oilers and the Flames. The venue is home to the Edmonton Elks, one of the football teams in the CFL.
This is the second time that a Heritage Classic will be played at the facility. The first-ever Heritage Classic in 2003 was also played at Commonwealth Stadium, so the NHL is going back to where the event began for the 20th anniversary.
