The rivalry between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers extends much further than just what takes place on the ice. As awesome as some of the on-ice bouts have been, the rivalry is even bigger amongst the two fan bases, who, despite being in cities just hours apart, do not like one another whatsoever.
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Flames fans have often come out on the losing end throughout the history of the two franchises. While they were able to win a Stanley Cup in 1989, they saw the Oilers win four of their own in the 80s, as well as a fifth in 1990. The five Cups to one is a frustrating, yet undeniable argument Flames fans have been forced to endure.
Fast forward all the way to 2022, and Flames fans were optimistic that they would gain some serious bragging rights over the Oilers when the two teams met up in the second round of the playoffs. Despite being favoured, however, the Oilers were able to end it in rather quick fashion, advancing to the Western Conference Final in just five games.
That loss, at least partially, has led the Flames to the rebuild they now find themselves in. Following that playoff exit saw Johnny Gaudreau leave in free agency and Matthew Tkachuk leave via trade. It’s led to even more gloating from Oilers fans, who often remind Flames fans that their team dismantled that 2021-22 roster.
In the present, the Oilers remain one of the NHL’s best teams, while the Flames are expected to struggle in 2024-25. As such, the bragging from the fans up north will continue. However, that could change much sooner than many think, and in a short time, it could instead be Flames fans who are laughing.
Oilers Risk Losing Draisaitl and McDavid
Mostly everybody, including Flames fans, would have envisioned the Oilers having won a Stanley Cup by now with their current core. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been the league’s most dynamic duo for a long stretch of time now, but, despite coming ever-so-close this past season, it hasn’t resulted in them reaching their ultimate goal.
While the Oilers will contend once again this coming season, the future is very much up in the air. As has been talked about for quite some time, Draisaitl is entering the final year of his contract. A trade is extremely unlikely, meaning that if an extension doesn’t get worked out, he could walk as a…
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