A brief history of the Stanley Cup Playoffs' Battle of Alberta
The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers are fighting the Battle of Alberta in the playoffs for the sixth time in the rivalry's history.
Here's a brief look back at the five previous encounters between the two:
1983: OILERS WON 4-1
In the first meeting between the two sides in the playoffs, the Oilers began a trend of dominance against Calgary, taking the series in five games.
Wayne Gretzky finished with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in the series as Edmonton took the Smythe Division final with ease.
The series was among the least competitively played of the five encounters between the two in the post-season, with Edmonton outscoring Calgary 35-13.
However, it did begin the trend of the Oilers, more often than not, getting the better of the Flames in playoff play.
1984: OILERS WON 4-3
Case in point: Just a year after getting bounced by the Oilers in the Smyth Division final, the Flames got eliminated again.
This was a far more competitive series, going the full seven games and featuring two overtime contests — both Calgary win.
Ultimately, though, the star power the Oilers boasted — in particular, Gretzky and Jari Kurri — proved too much for Calgary to overcome.
The seven-game victory helped propel the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup championship.
1986: FLAMES WON 4-3
Another seven-game series, two years after the first one.
Taking place again in the Smyth Division final, Calgary finally got the better of Edmonton.
The series was decided by a goal scored a little over five minutes into the third period that broke a 2-2 tie in Game 7.
Oilers defenceman Steve Smith attempted a cross-ice pass but it ended up striking Oilers goalie Grant Fuhr's leg and trickled into Edmonton's goal.
This series win still remains the only time the Flames have defeated the Oilers in the post-season.
It also helped catapult Calgary to its first Stanley Cup final appearance, where it fell to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
1988: OILERS WON 4-0
The most dominant Oilers victory of the four they've earned, Edmonton swept Calgary and, outside of an overtime win in Game 2, had no issues handling the Flames.
Edmonton dominated despite not having home-ice advantage for the first time in their playoff series with each other.
1991: OILERS WON 4-3
The only series outside of the one happening now that didn't see the two teams meet in the Smyth Division final, this one took place in the Smyth Division semifinal and, for the second encounter in a row, saw the Flames with home-ice advantage.
Unfortunately for Calgary, even with Gretzky no longer around in Edmonton, it was the Oilers coming out on top, this time breaking the hearts of Southern Alberta again as Esa Tikkanen scored 6:58 into overtime of Game 7.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.