Introduction
The Battle of Alberta is one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of ice hockey, and the 2022 edition is shaping up to be an unforgettable clash between two of the NHL’s most storied franchises. The Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames have been bitter rivals for decades, with a fierce competition that has captivated fans across Canada and beyond. In this article, we will discuss who won the battle of Alberta in 2022.
History of the Battle of Alberta
The Battle of Alberta is a long-standing rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames in the National Hockey League (NHL).
According to The Hockey News, the rivalry dates back to the 1980s when the Atlanta Flames moved north to Calgary and began to compete with the Oilers. The two teams have played each other over 300 times since then, with the Oilers holding a slight edge in the overall record. However, the Flames have won more playoff series between the two teams, including the infamous “brutal, violent” series in 1991.
Over the years, the rivalry has been marked by intense on-ice competition and off-ice animosity between the two cities. Fans of both teams are passionate about their respective clubs, which has led to some heated moments both in the stands and on the ice. Despite this, the rivalry has also been characterized by mutual respect and a willingness to acknowledge the other team’s successes.
As The Win Column notes, the Battle of Alberta has produced some of the NHL’s most exciting moments and legendary players, making it one of hockey’s great rivalries.
Who Won Battle of Alberta 2022?
The Battle of Alberta is a competition between the Canadian cities, that have been. It is a long-standing rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames in the National Hockey League (NHL), and the teams play each other multiple times throughout the regular season and potentially in the playoffs. The Edmonton Oilers won the Battle of Alberta in 2022, eliminating the Calgary Flames in a Game 5 thriller. Connor McDavid, the Oilers captain, was named the MVP of the series, while Leon Draisaitl was recognized as the greatest “battler” despite dealing with a lower-body injury.
Memorable Moments in the Battle of Alberta
The 2022 Battle of Alberta playoff series provided several memorable moments that will be talked about for years to come.
Here are a few of them:
- McDavid’s Hat Trick in Game 2: In Game 2 of the series, Connor McDavid put on a show, scoring a hat trick and leading the Oilers to a 6-3 victory. McDavid’s third goal was particularly impressive, as he danced past multiple Flames defenders before beating the goalie with a backhand shot.
- Draisaitl’s Game-Winner in Game 3: In Game 3 of the series, Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winning goal in overtime, capping off a comeback victory for the Oilers. Draisaitl’s goal was a thing of beauty, as he took a pass from McDavid in the slot and fired a wrist shot past the Flames goalie.
- The Physical Play: The Battle of Alberta has always been known for its physicality, and the 2022 playoff series was no exception. The two teams combined for 198 hits over the five games, with both sides delivering bone-crushing checks and engaging in scrums after the whistle.
- The Goaltending: Both teams received outstanding goaltending during the series. Mike Smith was a wall for the Oilers, making several highlight-reel saves and finishing the series with a .936 save percentage. On the other side, Jacob Markstrom was equally impressive, making several clutches and saves and finishing with a .927 save percentage.
- The Overtime Drama: Three of the five games in the series went overtime, providing plenty of drama for fans. Draisaitl’s game-winner in Game 3 was the most memorable, but there were several other close calls, including a post hit by Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau in Game 4 that could have ended the series.
Overall, the 2022 Battle of Alberta playoff series provided plenty of memorable moments and showcased why this is one of the NHL’s greatest rivalries.
Current State of the Battle of Alberta
The Battle of Alberta, a long-standing rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, is still going strong in 2022. The 2022-23 edition of the Battle of Alberta will conclude on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022, with the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames playing just three games. Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse admitted that this is “a little bit weird,” given the history and intensity of the rivalry.
Despite the limited number of games, the rivalry remains highly anticipated by fans, with thousands gathering to watch the games together in both Edmonton and Calgary.
The rivalry has a storied past and a “wild” present, with both teams coming close to winning championships in the mid-2000s.
In the 2022 playoffs, the Oilers and Flames played a dramatic series, with Oilers star Connor McDavid being a standout performer.
Future of the Battle of Alberta
The Battle of Alberta is a long-standing rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. The two teams have played each other in the National Hockey League since 1979 when they joined together as part of the NHL’s realignment plan.
The battle has been going on for almost 40 years now and it continues to be one of the most important sporting events in Alberta.
For more than four decades now, fans from both cities have come together to watch their favorite teams clash in what has become known as “the biggest game on Earth”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Battle of Alberta rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames will remain strong in 2022. Despite the limited number of games scheduled for the season, the rivalry is still highly anticipated by fans, with thousands of them gathering to watch the games together in both cities. The Battle of Alberta is one of the greatest rivalries in hockey and is sure to continue to captivate fans for years to come.
