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.
Darryl Sutter won his 700th game as an NHL head coach Thursday night against the Avalanche
"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
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.