Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers continue in Stanley Cup playoffs
Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk weren’t even born the final time the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers met within the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however they nonetheless perceive how a lot the Battle of Alberta means to followers of each groups.
“I have been right here for 9 years and by no means even had a sniff at an opportunity to play (the Oilers) in playoffs, so it is fairly particular,” stated Gaudreau Sunday evening, moments after netting the extra time winner in Sport 7 towards the Dallas Stars.
“I believe it should be plenty of enjoyable,” Gaudreau stated. “It is going to be good for the province, plenty of enjoyable for them and for us.”
The Flames and Oilers will start their sequence Wednesday evening on the Saddledome. Will probably be the primary Battle of Alberta within the postseason since 1991. There have been 5 earlier Flames-Oilers matchups within the postseason, with Edmonton successful 4 of the 5.
“It’s going to be thrilling, it is nice for all of Alberta,” stated Tkachuk. “I have never allowed myself to assume an excessive amount of about it but, it is too recent from (Sunday evening’s OT win).”
VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
A number of gamers carrying Edmonton’s orange and blue jersey are very aware of the provincial rivalry.
Oilers’ defencemen Brett Kulak grew up in Stoney Plain, Alta., and was drafted by the Flames in 2012.
“Everybody’s pumped. I’ve received mates, household… a number of people who find themselves diehard Flames followers and plenty of diehard Oilers followers. They’re trying ahead to it, and I believe all of us are,” Kulak stated Monday.
The final time the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers met in Stanley Cup Playoffs was again in 1991. Derek Ryan spent three seasons with the Flames earlier than signing with their rivals within the provincial capital. He informed journalists he fell asleep throughout a lot of final evening’s Flames-Stars Sport 7, solely to get up in time to see Gaudreau’s winner.
“It is large. Clearly, the Battle of Alberta is one other degree within the common season, and now for us as gamers and followers within the cities, to have that rivalry exist within the playoffs is one thing particular,” Ryan stated.
Goalie Mike Smith additionally performed in Calgary earlier than becoming a member of the Oilers previous to the 2019-20 season. The 40-year-old netminder stated he is assured in his crew.
“You might have mates on plenty of groups within the league now, however when it comes right down to it, you are making an attempt to win a sequence,” Smith stated.
“Whether or not it is Calgary or whoever it’s, the job is identical. We’re making an attempt to go on the market and compete for the last word prize.”
The final time the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers met in the course of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was again in 1991.The Flames and Oilers every gained two video games towards one another in the course of the common season.
Puck drop for Sport 1 of the second spherical is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT on Wednesday.
