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LIVE: Flames take Game 1 with wild 9-6 win over Oilers

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As the Calgary Flames make a run for the Stanley Cup with their best lineup in years, we’ll be there every step of the way. Follow this page for news updates, player profiles, analysis, photos and tweets throughout the playoffs.

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What you need to know


Red Lot cancelled for Game 1 due to high winds

Flames fans lined up to get into the Red Lot for Game 6 watch a man playing drums before the game started.
Flames fans lined up to get into the Red Lot for Game 6 watch a man playing drums before the game started. Photo by Brendan Miller/Postmedia

The Red Lot Viewing Party has been cancelled due to “extremely high and damaging winds,” according to the Calgary Flames.

“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution for our patrons and we appreciate your understanding in this matter,” the team’s official twitter account said.

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Flames, Oilers fans ready for Game 1

Flames and Oilers fans face off outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flames and Oilers fans face off outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Brendan Miller/Postmedia
Flames and Oilers fans stand off as they pose for a photo outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flames and Oilers fans stand off as they pose for a photo outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Brendan Miller/Postmedia
Flames and Oilers fans cheer outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flames and Oilers fans cheer outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Brendan Miller/Postmedia
Flames mascot Harvey the Hound hams it up as the Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2 of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flames mascot Harvey the Hound hams it up as the Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2 of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia
Flames mascot Harvey the Hound hams it up as the Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2 of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flames mascot Harvey the Hound hams it up as the Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2 of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia
Fans L-R, Jason Penner and Neil Pandya ham it up as the Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2 of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Fans L-R, Jason Penner and Neil Pandya ham it up as the Flames take on the Edmonton Oilers in Round 2 of the playoffs at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia
Flames and Oilers fans pose for a photo outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flames and Oilers fans pose for a photo outside the Saddledome as the Battle of Alberta is set to begin as the Calgary Flames host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Brendan Miller/Postmedia
Dan Royle, left, and his father Ian Royle get ready for Game 1 of the second round of playoff action between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Dan Royle, left, and his father Ian Royle get ready for Game 1 of the second round of playoff action between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Azin Ghaffari/Postmedia
Flame-heads Tania Stephenson, left, and Shauna Roth get ready for Game 1 of the second round of playoff action between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Flame-heads Tania Stephenson, left, and Shauna Roth get ready for Game 1 of the second round of playoff action between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Azin Ghaffari/Postmedia
Ian Royle poses for a photo before Game 1 of the second round of playoff action between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
Ian Royle poses for a photo before Game 1 of the second round of playoff action between Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Azin Ghaffari/Postmedia

Current stars ready to write their own chapter in Battle of Alberta history

Calgary Flames Elias Lindholm Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl in third period NHL action at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Monday, March 7, 2022.
Calgary Flames Elias Lindholm Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisaitl in third period NHL action at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Monday, March 7, 2022. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia

Calgary Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau recalls an exhibition eye-opener.

His teammate Matthew Tkachuk first realized the magnitude of the Battle of Alberta on a trip north for the grand opening of the enemy rink.

For an entire generation of hockey fans across the Wild Rose Province, that so-this-is-how-much-it-means moment might come during this long-overdue playoff series between the Flames and Edmonton Oilers.

“Obviously, this has been in the back of my mind ever since I was drafted here,” Tkachuk said prior to Wednesday’s Game 1 at the Saddledome, the first springtime skirmish between these highway rivals since way back in 1991. “It’s pretty cool that it’s the first time in 30-plus years. I just found out about that yesterday, so pretty cool.”

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Indeed, for the feels-like-forever fans on either side, it’s been a 31-year wait.

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Commodore impressed with Stone’s resilience

Calgary Flames defenceman Michael Stone is congratulated at the bench after scoring what ended up being the winning goal against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Calgary Flames defenceman Michael Stone is congratulated at the bench after scoring what ended up being the winning goal against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center in Anaheim on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Photo by Sean M. Haffey /Getty Images

Michael Stone stayed patient, hoping and trusting that an opportunity would come.

The veteran defenceman played in only 11 regular season games this season after making only 21 appearances a year ago.

When the playoffs hit, though, his team needed him. Midway through the Calgary Flames’ first-round series against the Dallas Stars, head coach Darryl Sutter inserted Stone back into the lineup and he responded immediately with eight shots in Game 4.

He hasn’t been in the press-box for a game since.

Eighteen years ago, Mike Commodore had a similar experience.

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Need-to-know heading into Game 1

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Matthew Tkachuk celebrates a goal against the Edmonton Oilers on March 26.
Matthew Tkachuk celebrates a goal against the Edmonton Oilers on March 26. Photo by Jim Wells /Postmedia

The big storyline …

Duh. The Flames and Oilers haven’t hooked up for a seven-game spring slugfest since way back in 1991, a series that is remembered for Theo Fleury’s sliding celebration and Esa Tikkanen’s overtime winner two nights later in Game 7. It’s not just provincial bragging rights at stake — one of these Alberta-based teams will advance to the third round.

Looking back …

Both of these squads were pushed to the limit in the opening round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Flames, who entered as top dog in the Pacific Division, survived a seven-game scare from the Dallas Stars, with Johnny Gaudreau doing his best ‘Eliminator’ impression with the overtime snipe in Game 7. The second-seeded Oilers, meanwhile, squeaked past the Los Angeles Kings. Their Game 7 hero was none other than superstar centre Connor McDavid. Surprise, surprise.

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About the lineups …

The Flames: After missing Game 7 against the Stars due to an undisclosed injury, Flames defenceman Chris Tanev was on the ice for Wednesday’s optional morning skate, an encouraging sign that he’ll be available for the series-opener. The Flames may dress seven blue-liners, since Michael Stone has been providing some valuable minutes and a barrage of shot from the back-end.

The Oilers: Leon Draisaitl has been bothered by an apparent ankle injury but is expected to suit up. He’s a guy that the Flames will need to keep close tabs on — he finished second in the Rocket ‘Richard’ Trophy race with 55 regular-season lamp-lightings.

Key stat …

14 — That’s the number of points that Connor McDavid piled up as the Oilers eliminated the Kings. That’s the third-highest total ever in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and this is impressive company. Mario Lemieux set the record with a 17-point outburst in the first series in 1992, while Wayne Gretzky rolled out of the gates with 15 points in the Round of 16 in 1987.

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Quote to note …

“Last game was pretty special, but you have to forget about it real quick now and move on and get ready for this series. Hopefully, we don’t have to put ourselves in that situation again — Game 7 overtime. Hopefully, we can win it a little earlier.”

— Johnny Gaudreau


Dealing with pressure key for Flames in series with Oilers

The Calgary Flames practise at Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday.
The Calgary Flames practise at Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia

The pressure is going to be wild.

The noise from outside the Scotiabank Saddledome will undoubtedly make its way into the Calgary Flames locker-room. The intensity of their rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers runs too hot for the Flames to block it all out.

And even among the Flames, there’s debate about how you navigate all that.

Riding the inevitable emotional highs and lows of a potential seven-game series against your most hated rival has its pros and cons. To block out the outside noise, or to let it in? That’s the big question.

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Gilbertson: Gretzky picks Flames to win. What about you?

The Calgary Flames practise at Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday.
The Calgary Flames practise at Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia

Wayne Gretzky picked the Calgary Flames.

Until the puck drops Wednesday on this best-of-seven edition of the Battle of Alberta, that must mean the early bragging rights go to the southerners.

Yeah, that is the same Wayne Gretzky who heydayed for the Edmonton Oilers, leading that team to four Stanley Cup parades in the 1980s. When the Great One, now a studio analyst for TNT, unveiled his playoff bracket prior to the opening round, he crystal-balled this collision between the provincial foes, a long-awaited renewal of what was for a spell the best rivalry in hockey.

And then he predicted the Flames would win it.

The Oilers replied on Twitter: “Ouch, Wayne.”

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“I’m sure they don’t like it,” said former Edmonton resident Milan Lucic, one of five players in this series who has worn both sweaters, choosing his words carefully. “But he’s just giving his expert opinion.”

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Sizing up the Battle of the Alberta: Series breakdown, lineups, predictions

Defenceman Oliver Kylington battles Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl in Calgary on March 7.
Defenceman Oliver Kylington battles Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl in Calgary on March 7. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia

A look at how the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers match up for their second-round NHL playoff series …

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Coach Sutter: Don’t call it a battle

Flames coach Darryl Sutter says the Calgary-Edmonton series will bring the province together.
Flames coach Darryl Sutter says the Calgary-Edmonton series will bring the province together. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia

Don’t call it the Battle of Alberta.

That’s what Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter would prefer, at least.

Calling it a “battle” implies the series will divide people, but Sutter believes his team’s series against the Edmonton Oilers is going to bring the province together.

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View from Edmonton: ‘Will Flames try to drag Oilers into the alley?’

Matthew Tkachuk is pummelled by Oilers forward Zack Kassian at the Saddledome on Jan. 11, 2020.
Matthew Tkachuk is pummelled by Oilers forward Zack Kassian at the Saddledome on Jan. 11, 2020. Photo by Jim Wells /Postmedia

Edmonton Journal sportswriter Robert Tychkowski:

It’s not going to get 1980s ugly between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, those days are gone for good, but there is going to be a mean, hard edge to the first Battle of Alberta in 31 years.

How mean and how hard remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone if this series gets dragged into the alley a few times.

And if that happens, is it advantage Calgary?

Man-for-man, skill-for-skill, the two teams match up pretty evenly. If the Flames have an edge, it’s in their ability to make life miserable for their opponents.

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Telus Spark opening up dome theatre for Battle of Alberta

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Telus Spark will screen the Battle of Alberta on its newly renovated Infinity Dome theatre.
Telus Spark will screen the Battle of Alberta on its newly renovated Infinity Dome theatre. Photo by Telus Spark

Imagine watching Johnny Gaudreau on a breakaway against the Edmonton Oilers on a 360-degree screen.

Starting on Wednesday, Telus Spark is opening up their Infinity Dome theatre to all ages for the Battle of Alberta playoff series. Usually reserved for science films, the dome theatre’s 8K resolution screen will give Flames fans a new immersive way to watch.

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Red Lot viewing party to remain ticketed event

Fans celebrate at the Red Lot viewing party during the Flames-Stars series.
Fans celebrate at the Red Lot viewing party during the Flames-Stars series. Photo by BRENDAN MILLER /Postmedia

The Red Lot viewing party near the Saddledome will remain a ticketed event due to “incredibly high demand,” according to the Calgary Flames.

Tickets will still be free but have to be secured in advance, according to a press release. Fans are able to get two tickets per person on Wednesday at 9 a.m. online.

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Those without tickets will not be permitted entrance under any circumstances, the organization stressed. Tickets also have no cash value and are now non-transferable.

“We understand that demand for RED Lot tickets will very likely outweigh supply, and would like to reiterate our tremendous gratitude for the extraordinary support of the C of Red,” the release reads.

The Red Lot opens two hours before puck drop tonight at 5:30 p.m.


Flaming ‘C’, everywhere you look

A Flaming ‘C’ is seen at the Calgary International Airport ahead of Wednesday’s game.
A Flaming ‘C’ is seen at the Calgary International Airport ahead of Wednesday’s game. Photo by Brendan Miller /Postmedia
Lesley Barret, left, and Jessica Irwin with Eyecatchers paint a Flames mural on the windows of a downtown building on Tuesday.
Lesley Barret, left, and Jessica Irwin with Eyecatchers paint a Flames mural on the windows of a downtown building on Tuesday. Photo by Azin Ghaffari /Postmedia
Calgary Flames super fan Kim Thomas has been a long-time supporter of the team. Thomas wears one of Hakan Loob’s helmets from the 1989 Stanley Cup-winning team and holds a signed 1989 Calgary Flames Stanley Cup championship cap in his home on Monday.
Calgary Flames super fan Kim Thomas has been a long-time supporter of the team. Thomas wears one of Hakan Loob’s helmets from the 1989 Stanley Cup-winning team and holds a signed 1989 Calgary Flames Stanley Cup championship cap in his home on Monday. Photo by Gavin Young /Postmedia

5 Burning Questions for the Flames going into Round 2

Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom stops Dallas Stars forward Michael Raffl in overtime during Game 7.
Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom stops Dallas Stars forward Michael Raffl in overtime during Game 7. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia

Calgary Flames fans may still be catching their breath after Sunday night’s wild overtime win in Game 7 against the Dallas Stars.

But the NHL moves fast, and attention is already turning to Wednesday’s opening game of the massive Battle of Alberta against the Edmonton Oilers.

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If the Red Lot was bumping for Round 1, it’s only going to get more turned up.

The series against the Oilers could play out very differently than what we saw against the Stars. You’d expect more scoring and there are key players on both sides who have already picked up bumps and bruises that could impact their availability and/or effectiveness for Round 2.

Here are five burning questions …

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Tale of the tape: Comparing the Flames and Oilers after first round

The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers both faced stubborn, defensive-minded opponents in the first round. Both teams required seven games to dispatch the Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings, respectively. Here are the key numbers for the Flames and Oilers after one round.

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Elias Lindholm nominated for Selke Trophy

Calgary Flames forward Elias Lindholm has been nominated for this year’s Selke Trophy.
Calgary Flames forward Elias Lindholm has been nominated for this year’s Selke Trophy.

He’s made his share of headlines for his sharpshooting ways.

On Tuesday, Elias Lindholm was being hailed for his defensive handiwork.

Lindholm, the first-line centre and leading marksman for the Calgary Flames, is a Selke Trophy finalist for the first time in his career.

“Not very surprising,” said Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

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‘I’ve been waiting for this’: Flames and Oilers were overdue for spring series

From left: Dana Murzyn, Jamie Macoun, Jeff Shantz and Perry Berezan before taking part in the 2014 Calgary Pro-Am Alazheimer’s Hockey Tournament at WinSport.
From left: Dana Murzyn, Jamie Macoun, Jeff Shantz and Perry Berezan before taking part in the 2014 Calgary Pro-Am Alazheimer’s Hockey Tournament at WinSport. Photo by File /Postmedia

Before you go calling him a traitor, before any accusation of playing both sides, hear the man out …

Perry Berezan is fiercely loyal to the Calgary Flames. He did, after all, skate for five seasons at the Saddledome. He is a proud alumni and past playoff hero.

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And yet, Berezan is willing to admit that he’s also been pulling for the arch-enemy Edmonton Oilers.

Because he, like hundreds of thousands of others, was desperate to see another best-of-seven edition of the Battle of Alberta.

“I’ve been waiting for this ever since I moved back here. This province needs this so bad,” said Berezan, a full-time Calgary resident since the mid-1990s.

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View from Edmonton: ‘Battle of Alberta just what we needed’

Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak crashes into the net in front of Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 26.
Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak crashes into the net in front of Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 26. Photo by Jim Wells /Postmedia

An editorial by the Edmonton Journal on Tuesday:

Naysayers may scoff that it’s just a game played by grown men, that there are more serious matters at hand like the war in Ukraine, inflation, the climate crisis, Alberta politics and homelessness. But after what we’ve gone through the last two years, this Battle of Alberta is like a tonic for the soul.

Yes, the Oilers made two perfunctory playoff appearances during the pandemic, but watching them play on TV in eerily silent, empty arenas was simply no fun even if they had managed to win a few more games. As we’ve already witnessed during the first round, playoff hockey is meant to be experienced communally, at frenzied arenas, packed bars or raucous fan plazas or in living rooms surrounded by friends and family.

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