With today being the second pre-season edition of the Battle of Alberta, let’s take a look at the NHL’s second greatest rivalry (save only the Habs/Leafs).

Last year’s Battle of Alberta was dead-even with both the Flames and Oilers winning four games, each taking two at home and two on the road, and both sides scoring 18 goals in the season series.

In 2007/08 the Oilers took exception to Robyn Regehr’s rough handling of Ales Hemsky and have now enlisted the help of veteran tough guy Steve MacIntyre to provide some protection. One would think this will be an improvement on the type of “enforcement” the Oilers carried last season [Exhibit A, Nolan vs Stortini]. The Flames, despite losing Owen Nolan and Eric Godard, still have some toughness of their own. Stars Regehr, Jarome Iginla, and Dion Phaneuf aren’t the type to shy away from the rough stuff, and the addition of Andre Roy and Todd Bertuzzi makes the squad a little more intimidating.

It’s been said that the Oilers are a team built to compete in the Eastern Conference, while the Sutter era Flames are the quintessential Western team. The contrast in styles, combined with the enduring rivalry should keep this series intriguing this year, as the Flames’ tough style meets the Oilers’ speed. The Battle of Alberta can often set the tone for these teams, which makes these head-to-head match-ups something to watch in 2008/09. And what’s better is that all six games will be televised for viewers in Western Canada, so even if you can’t get a ticket, you can still watch the live action:

• October 17 in Calgary (Sportsnet West)
• October 18 in Edmonton (CBC)
• December 31 in Calgary (TSN)
• February 21 in Edmonton (CBC)
• April 10 in Edmonton (Sportsnet West)
• April 11 in Calgary (CBC)

Okay, i’ve already got my consolation prize.

Tonight’s victory against the dastardly Oilers reignited my hatred for those blue shirted devils. Okay. Maybe it was their beer swilling tube jockeys that punctuated a predominantly Flames crowd tonight at the Zoo. Playoff hockey began for the Calgary Flames last week and by my count we are still down 2 games to 1. This was a character win for the Flames who had their hands full with an energetic Oiler crew. Make no mistake about it, the Oilers would be in the playoffs if they did not lose 3 to 4 of their veteran players for the season. They will be a better team next year. For now, i’ll savor in our victory and cross that other bridge when we get to it.

Mikka Kiprusoff responded as usual with a sparkling performance after a lackluster performance in the last game against Vancouver. Matthew Lombardi is contributing more to our offense as the playoffs looms (always a good time to get hot). The ‘cagey’ vets have elevated their game as well; Owen Nolan came up big when the team needed him the most. We played a disciplined game tonight, limiting our time spent in the box and capitalizing on the PP as well. These are all metrics for success for the Calgary Flames.

Go Flames