5 best and bloodiest rivalries in the history of the NHL
By Mary Clarke
3. Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
The Battle of Alberta is a rivalry that also transcends the sport of hockey. Between Alberta’s most populous city (Calgary) and the providence’s capital (Edmonton), it’s no wonder that the two hockey teams have a mutual dislike for one another spurred on by the massive history between the two cities that predates hockey.
Like many of these rivalries, the peak for many came during the 1980s to 1990s, when hockey was at the apex of its brawling ways. The Flames and Oilers were two of the NHL’s best teams during that time, and one of the pair featured in the Stanley Cup Final for eight straight seasons from 1983 to 1990, winning six championships between them.
Edmonton, of course, got the lion’s share, with the dynasty heralded by Wayne Gretzky that won five Stanley Cups during that era. The Flames won their one Stanley Cup during that time as well, but their lack of success compared to their neighbors is often a point of contention and disappointment.
The rivalry got a jolt during the 2019-20 season, when Oilers’ forward Zack Kassian took offense to a hit from Flames’ forward Matthew Tkachuk that sparked a pair of wild games — including an 8-3 Oilers victory in their last game of the season — and reignited the embers after a long time without controversy.
The Flames do hold the all time regular season series record over the Oilers 122–96–18–6, but Edmonton has Calgary bested in the postseason matchups, with a 19-11 record and four series wins.