Introduction
The 1991 Battle of Alberta was a playoff series between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers, two fierce rivals in the NHL. The series was intense, as it featured the past four Stanley Cup winners between the two teams, with the Flames winning in 1989 and the Oilers winning in 1987, 1988, and 1990. This article will discuss who won the battle of Alberta in 1991.
When the Battle of Alberta took place?
The Battle of Alberta took place in the 1991-92 season and was the second and final game of that season. It was held at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
The game pitted Edmonton Oilers against Calgary Flames for their respective playoff spots in the Smythe Division (Western Conference). The Oilers had been eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to Detroit Red Wings on April 19th while Calgary had already clinched another trip back to the Western Conference finals by beating Vancouver Canucks earlier that day.
The Battle of Alberta is a nickname used for the fierce rivalry between the Canadian cities of Calgary and Edmonton. It is not a specific event that took place on a particular date. The rivalry has been ongoing since the early days of the province, and it is most commonly associated with the hockey teams from the two cities, the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.
The Teams: Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers are two of the most popular teams in hockey, with fans from all across Canada following them every season. Their rivalry has been going on for over 50 years and it has become one of the oldest rivalries in sports.
The Battle of Alberta refers to any game in which these teams play against each other. This can range from just one game to an entire season’s worth of games between these two teams, but whatever it is called, there will always be excitement when they meet up again!
The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames have been going at each other since they were both part of the Western Hockey League. Back then, they were the only two teams in Alberta’s capital city and would play against each other every year. As time went on, the two teams joined different leagues and began playing against one another more frequently.
Who Won the Battle of Alberta in 1991?
The Edmonton Oilers won the 1991 Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames, which was a playoff series between the two teams. Previously to the 1991 season, the clubs had won the Stanley Cup together four times: Edmonton in 1987, 1988, and 1990; Calgary in 1989; and Edmonton in 1987, 1988, and 1990. The Oilers won the series in seven games, with a final score of 4-3 in favor of Edmonton.
Calgary has many great players who played well throughout this season including Jarome Iginla who scored 31 goals during regular season play before adding five more during playoffs; Joe Nieuwendyk, who had 32 points on 12 goals & 16 assists while playing alongside Marcel Dionne; Brian Skrudland also scored 14 points while playing alongside Wayne Gretzky; Jay Miller also added 10 assists while playing alongside Peter Forsberg.
The Rivalry Leading Up to the Game
The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames has been going on for over 20 years now. While it may not be as deep-seated as some other rivalries, it’s still a big part of each team’s identity and provides fans with something to cheer about when they go to the games.
The two teams have played each other in their respective home arenas many times, including plenty of playoff battles over the years. In fact, Alberta residents have seen more than enough fighting between these two teams!
The Battle for Alberta has also become a big part of every game day experience at Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Coliseum). As mentioned earlier, this rivalry is even featured on some T-shirts sold at souvenir shops around town!
Highlights and Key Moments of the Game
The Battle of Alberta in 1991 was a memorable moment in hockey history. The Battle of Alberta was played on October 15, 1991, at the Skyreach Centre in Edmonton. The game was between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers and Flames faced off in the Smythe Division semi-final and delivered an instant classic whose legacy has been authenticated with time.
The series includes an iconic victory in the seventh and deciding game by the Oilers, who overcame a 3-1 series deficit and won on a dramatic overtime goal by Esa Tikkanen.
However, the 1991 series was also known for its brutal, violent moments, including violent hits and brawls, which have come to define the rivalry between the two teams. Despite this, the Battle of Alberta has changed significantly since then, and players are no longer allowed to get away with the same kind of dangerous hits and dirty plays that were once commonplace.
Post-Game Analysis and Reactions
The post-game analysis and reactions to the Battle of Alberta in 1991 were mixed. On one hand, many fans and analysts praised both teams for their intense and passionate play throughout the series. The Oilers were particularly celebrated for their resilience in overcoming a 3-1 series deficit and winning the decisive Game 7 in overtime. Esa Tikkanen, who scored the game-winning goal, was hailed as a hero, and the Oilers’ victory was seen as a testament to their grit and determination.
However, the series was also marred by incidents of violence and dirty play, which drew criticism from both fans and the media. Several players were involved in dangerous hits and brawls, and there were concerns about player safety and the future of the game.
Some commentators argued that the Battle of Alberta had become too violent and needed to be reined in, while others defended the physicality of the sport and argued that it was an essential part of the game.
Overall, the Battle of Alberta in 1991 was a memorable and controversial moment in hockey history. While the series was celebrated for its intensity and drama, it also raised important questions about player safety and the role of violence in the sport.
Impact on the Season and Beyond
The 1991 Battle of Alberta playoff series between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers was an intense and violent rivalry that is still remembered to this day. While the Oilers ultimately came out on top, winning the series and advancing to the next round, the impact on both teams and the league as a whole was significant.
According to a Sportsnet article, the series was “as brutal, violent as you could possibly get”. However, since then, the Battle of Alberta has changed significantly, with less fighting and physical play and more emphasis on skill and speed.
Despite this, the rivalry between the two teams remains strong, and games between the Flames and Oilers continue to be highly anticipated events.
Conclusion
The Battle of Alberta is considered one of hockey’s greatest rivalries. It’s a rivalry that has grown in intensity over the years and shows no signs of slowing down. The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames has been going on since 1972, so this game was bound to be memorable.
