Battle of Alberta set for first Stanley Cup clash in 31 years after Oilers and Flames win deciders
- Planet Sport writer
- 17 May 2022
Bitter rivals Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames to renew battle in play-offs after lengthy hiatus.
The NHL play-offs will be taken to a new level with the return of the Battle of Alberta after the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames both won their round one game sevens.
The Battle of Alberta is arguably the most fierce rivalry in the NHL and all of Canadian sports, and the play-offs has not seen one for 31 years.
However, it's time to strap yourself in for the ensuing drama after Edmonton beat LA Kings and Calgary down Dallas in tense deciders to set up a best-of-seven second round clash.
"The Battle of Alberta is another level," said Oilers forward Derek Ryan.
"For us as players, fans and cities, to have that rivalry exist in the playoffs is something special.
"We're all going to try and take it in and play our best and live in the moment."
Oilers goaltender has played for both teams in the Battle of Alberta, and he was involved in a rare goalie-fight with his opposite number on the ice in February 2020.
"The hype is real life, there are a lot of passionate fans in Alberta for the Flames and Oilers," Smith said.
"As players, we're trying not to get consumed by that. There is a lot of extra noise, but there is a focus with this group that we have job to do and it didn't really matter who we were going to play against.
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"We just want to keep playing the way we're capable of playing. If we do that we'll give ourselves a chance to win.
"Calgary was the best team in our division this year, a lot of firepower," said Smith. "They play connected. We're going to have to play our A game to beat them four times."
Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft added: "The entire province is excited about it.
"This is a rivalry that goes back years, and not just in the sport of hockey. Everyone is excited about that."
The last time the Oilers and Flames met in the Stanley Cup was 1991 and that went all the way to game seven before Esa Tikkanen scored to win it 5-4.
For context, that was the same year the first Gulf War ended and the internet was launched.
