Peepin' Foes: Calgary Flames

I can't decide on if I should bring a sign to Sunday's 7:30 pm game against the Calgary Flames. And if I do, which to bring? What do you think? "Rangers Get 'Em First," "Sloppy Seconds," "Sloppy Defense," "You ARE Boring Iggy," "Play Like Prucha" ???

Where We Are: Hmm, let's see ... our last five games were a blown lead but a shootout win, a blown lead but a shootout win, an utter embarrassment, a come-from-behind shootout win, and another utter embarrassment. Not really a reassuring record heading into a game against a strong, hardworking team that is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Where They Are: After beating Vancouver (the team that trounced us last month at the Garden) in both legs of a home and home, Calgary fell to Dallas in a very disappointingly uneventful game (thanks Gary Bettman). They bounced back with a come-from-behind, hard-fought 4-3 overtime win in St. Louis. That is overtime, not shootout. See, not all the teams in the NHL play for the skills competition, some actually like to win fair and square.

Who To Watch For: Dion "Sloppy Seconds" Phaneuf assisted on all four goals against the Blues. Somehow he didn't record a single hit in 29 minutes on the ice but we all know the kid is a freight train. Sloppy leads a solid defense that includes one of the most underrated blueliners in the NHL - Robyn Regehr. Their offense is underwhelming but Mike Cammalleri scores pretty regularly and they still have the snoozefest that is Jarome Iginla. While he comes across like he has no personality, Iggy is debatably one of the top five talents in the NHL and certainly is one of the classiest. I still get choked up watching him lead the Flames back out to shake Trevor's hand. Daymond Langkow is also one heckuva hockey player and Curtis Glencross is red-hot of late with 12 points in his last 10 games.

What To Watch For: See if the Ranger fans still remember the Steve Moore incident. The building booed Todd Bertuzzi the last time he came through but back then we had Moore's brother. Sadly, I don't think they will. Also keep an eye out for Mark Giordano and former Islander Adrian Aucoin shutting down Z and locking the Mexican't Gomez out of the Calgary zone.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Colton Orr beating the hell out of upstart heavyweight Brandon Prust. A Swede (Hank) out-dueling a Finn (Kipper) for Scandic pride. The Rangers showing some heart and pride by coming out of the gates flying. And if the game is tied going into the third period, a Ranger team actually attempting to win rather than killing the clock until Hank can do his skill competition magic.

Also Check Out: The capital letter-challenged Hit The Post, the fantastic Five Hole Fanatics and the uber popular Battle of Alberta.

And, as always, head over to Weinman's Ranger Report for the latest in Blueshirt news, even if Sam has (understandably) dedicated a lot of time and space lately to the Sean Avery story.

 "Peepin' Foes: Calgary Flames - A Fiery NHL Rivalry"

In the world of the National Hockey League (NHL), rivalries are the heartbeat of the sport. They ignite passion, drive competition, and create unforgettable moments on the ice. One such rivalry that has garnered attention over the years is the intense battle between the Calgary Flames and their adversaries. In this article, we'll delve into the history, memorable moments, key players, and the fervor behind the Flames' rivalry with their peers.

I. Origins of the Rivalry

Geographic Proximity

The Flames' rivalry with several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and the Winnipeg Jets (now the Arizona Coyotes), stems from their proximity within Western Canada. These matchups often take on regional significance.

Playoff Battles

Many memorable playoff battles have fueled the Flames' rivalry. The Stanley Cup playoffs are the ultimate stage, and these teams have clashed when it matters most, leaving an indelible mark on the rivalry's history.

II. Memorable Moments

"Battle of Alberta" (1980s)

The Flames' rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers, particularly during the 1980s, became known as the "Battle of Alberta." These two Alberta-based teams engaged in fierce battles, featuring iconic players like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Lanny McDonald.

Stanley Cup Finals (1989)

In 1989, the Flames reached the Stanley Cup Finals and faced off against the Montreal Canadiens. Though not a regional rivalry, this series defined Calgary's pursuit of hockey glory. They won their first and only Stanley Cup, cementing their place in NHL history.

III. Notable Players

Jarome Iginla (Flames)

Jarome Iginla, the face of the Flames for many years, epitomized the franchise's spirit and tenacity. He became an icon in Calgary and was known for his leadership and scoring ability.

Theo Fleury (Flames)

Theo Fleury was another Flames legend who played a pivotal role in the team's success during the 1990s. His tenacity and scoring prowess made him a fan favorite.

IV. The Rivalry's Modern Era

Vancouver Canucks

The Flames' rivalry with the Vancouver Canucks has intensified in recent years, with both teams competing for playoff berths and division titles. These matchups have become must-watch games for fans.

Playoff Clashes

The Flames have had their fair share of playoff battles in the modern era, keeping the rivalry flame alive. These matchups showcase the competitive spirit and passion of Western Canadian hockey.

V. FAQs About the Flames' Rivalries

Q1: Who are the Flames' biggest rivals today?

A1: While the Edmonton Oilers remain a significant rival, the Vancouver Canucks have emerged as strong contenders in recent years.

Q2: Do the Flames have any historic rivalries outside of Western Canada?

A2: Yes, the Flames' Stanley Cup Finals rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens in 1989 remains an iconic moment in franchise history.

Q3: What role do fans play in these rivalries?

A3: Fans are the lifeblood of these rivalries, creating an electrifying atmosphere at games, engaging in friendly banter, and proudly wearing team colors.

The Calgary Flames have a storied history filled with fierce rivalries that have shaped the team's identity. Whether it's the "Battle of Alberta" with the Edmonton Oilers, memorable playoff clashes, or modern-day showdowns with teams like the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames' rivalry-rich tradition continues to captivate fans and define the essence of hockey. The passion, intensity, and competitive spirit exhibited in these rivalries serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the NHL and the Calgary Flames' place within its storied history.