Battle lines drawn as Flames and Oilers get ready for epic series
Battle lines drawn as Flames and Oilers get ready for epic series
The last time the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers faced each other in the playoffs was way back in 1991.
Most players on either team weren't born or have no recollection of that Battle of Alberta because they were too young.
Flames defenceman Michael Stone said he's starting to feel the excitement in the city.
"Well I mean I had people waving at me on my way in today so haven't had that in a while," he laughed.
"I haven't been to the second round since my first year in the league so this is real exciting for me. Especially being the Battle of Alberta. I've been in this city long enough to know what that means."
BRINGING THE PROVINCE TOGETHER
Flames coach Darryl Sutter said the Battle of Alberta is important for the province. In the world according to Sutter, a resident of Viking, Alta., which is located pretty much halfway between Edmonton and Calgary, there are three things that bring (Alberta) people together.
"Sports, church and music. Think about it," he said.
The Flames were looking forward to a packed Saddledome as they start the 2022 playoffs against the Dallas Stars. Glenn Campbell reports
"What this is doing for Alberta right now is bringing people together," Sutter said. "They might cheer for the Oilers. They might cheer for the Flames. Big deal, it's a sport. It's what it's about, it's the best thing ever. Like for the NHL what more could you ask for?"
GREAT ONE PICKS THE FLAMES
The Battle of Alberta is generating a lot of interest outside the province as well. Before the playoffs started, former Oiler legend Wayne Gretzky, now a TNT hockey analyst, picked the Flames to win this series and that must have generated a couple emails to TNT from Edmonton.
Flames forward Milan Lucic weighed in on the Great One picking the team he once picked apart when the Battle of Alberta was more of an annual event.
"I'm sure they don't like it but you know he's just giving his expert opinion," Lucic, who was traded by the Oilers to the Flames said.
EXCITING TIMES
For players it's hard not to get excited with what's happening in the city. Fans have been waiting a long time for the Flames to advance in the playoffs. This is only the second time the Flames have advanced past the second round since 2004. Elias Lindholm said the team felt the love after beating Dallas in Game 7 on Sunday night.
"I think the NHL did half of the bench and up top and the Red Lot so I watched that a couple of times. Yeah it's exciting and it's fun. Fun to see so many people supporting us."
The Calgary Flames' Red Lot community viewing party at Stampede Park. (Photo courtesy Calgary Flames/NHL)
BE READY FOR PUCK DROP
Obviously the Flames were able to enjoy beating the Stars, but goaltender Jacob Markstrom said it's time to start focusing in on the Oilers.
"It's going to be fun," Markstrom said.
"It's going to be wild in the crowd but at the same time we've got to be composed and play our game."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortions
The U.S. Supreme Court has ended the nation's constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years in a decision by its conservative majority to overturn Roe v. Wade. Friday's outcome is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states.

'Devastating setback': Trudeau, politicians react to overturning of Roe v. Wade
Canadian politicians are responding to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end constitutional protections for abortion, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling the news 'horrific.'
Roe v. Wade abortion ruling raising alarms among Canadian advocates
Canadian advocates are cautioning against complacency regarding abortions protections in place in Canada, after the U.S. Supreme court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade on Friday.
Roe v. Wade: These U.S. states are likely to ban abortion
With the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end constitutional protections for abortion, 26 states are likely to ban abortions; 13 of which are expected to enact bans against the medical procedure immediately.
'It feels so good': Alberta MP celebrates overturning of Roe v. Wade
A Member of Parliament from rural Alberta went live on Facebook Friday to celebrate a United States Supreme Court vote to end constitutional protections for abortion.
Two dead, 14 wounded in Norway nightclub shooting, police say
Two people were killed and 14 wounded on Saturday in a shooting at a nightclub and in nearby streets in Norway's capital Oslo, Norwegian police said.
Mummified baby woolly mammoth discovered in Yukon 'most complete' find in North America: officials
Miners working in a gold field in Yukon have uncovered what is being called the 'most complete' mummified woolly mammoth found to date in North America, officials announced on Friday.
'So scary': Flying shovel misses Mississauga driver by just centimetres
An Ontario driver is speaking out after a shovel struck her windshield while she was driving on the highway.
This is who's in and who's out of Doug Ford's cabinet
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has unveiled his cabinet for the 43rd Parliament and there are some big changes to the front bench.