Ranking the top 5 greatest NHL rivalries of all-time

5. Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames

Edmonton and Calgary are natural rivals in just about everything because of their close proximity to each other. They compete in just about everything and hockey is no different. The Oilers only had to wait one year to find their rivals, as the Flames moved from Atlanta to Calgary in 1980.

Since then, the two sides have hated each other’s guts and have provided some incredible moments. Their first meeting in the Stanley Cup Playoffs came in 1983, with the Oilers beating the Flames in five games. In 1984, the two sides had an all-time classic series, with the Oilers besting the Flames in seven games. 1985 saw yet another postseason meeting, but this time, the Flames came out ahead in seven games.

They didn’t face again until 1988, when the Oilers swept the Flames. 1991 saw yet another classic series, with Edmonton coming out ahead in seven games. They haven’t faced each other in the postseason since then, but they might get the chance to do so in 2020.

What stands out to me about this rivalry is how intense it is. Let’s face it, the Oilers and Flames haven’t been great in recent years. But it doesn’t matter when these two teams play. There’s a playoff atmosphere in every Battle of Alberta. It’s something that every hockey fan should experience at least once.