Edmonton Oilers: 5 Most Memorable Moments from the Battle of Alberta

There are some intense geographical rivalries in the NHL.

From the Maple Leafs and the Red Wings to the Flyers and the Penguins, there is no doubt that the rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames has been one of the most exciting and consistently nasty. 

Though the rivalry may have cooled over the years, as a result of the Oilers’ poor performances and the emergence of a rivalry between Calgary and Vancouver, every time the two Alberta franchises square off, fireworks ensue.

Here is the top five Battle of Alberta moments. 

Souray Breaks Hand in Fight Against Iginla

While this moment may not be the most glamorous or have the most historical context, this was a moment that most Oilers fans will remember.

This wasn't the first memorable moment between Souray and Iginla, as the accident that ended up injuring Souray's leg the year prior could have easily made the list instead. However, this fight and injury really seemed to mark the beginning of the bitter end to the Sheldon Souray experiment in Edmonton.

By this point the Oilers were desperate to try and get rid of Souray, and then in an ill-advised move he decided to fight Jarome Iginla, resulting in the broken hand.

Souray’s name had been floating around regarding trade rumors but this injury ultimately eliminated any chance the Oilers had of dealing Souray.

Ivanans KO'd

There has been a ton of debate as to whether or not fighting has a place in hockey and on October 7, 2010 both sides of the argument could have been made after Steve MacIntyre then of the Oilers, absolutely destroyed Raitis Ivanans of the Flames.

This was a premier heavyweight tilt, and while you don’t ever want to see someone get hurt, the end came in spectacular fashion.

Ivanans was knocked out cold during his first game with the Flames, and hasn’t played in the NHL since.

Eberle's First Goal

What a perfect way to announce yourself to the NHL and cement your name in Battle of Alberta lore.

Jordan Eberle’s first career NHL goal was easily one of the best goals scored during the 2010 season.

Every aspect of the goal was memorable; from the way he undressed Ian White, to the backhanded deke that left Miika Kiprusoff helpless.

If fans weren’t already convinced about the talent this young Regina native possessed thanks to the memorable World Junior performances, this goal during his first Battle of Alberta was the perfect coming out party.

Gretzky Silences Flames in 1988 Playoffs

This was perhaps one of the best OT goals in Oilers franchise history.

The Flames and the Oilers were embroiled in a hard fought game when “the Great One”, after killing a Mark Messier penalty, managed to find himself in on the Calgary net and finished the Flames off with a beautiful goal.

Everything from the sound of the puck going off the post, to the silence of the Calgary crowd, still makes this one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Battle of Alberta

The Own Goal

This choice was a no-brainer.

Most (if not all) Oilers fans would probably agree that the Steve Smith own goal is the most memorable moment of the Battle of Alberta.

A terrible pass attempt resulted in Smith banking the puck off the back of goaltender Grant Fuhr’s leg and into his own net in the third period of the seventh game of the Smythe Division series.

The loss came after consecutive Oilers Stanley Cup Championships, and if not for the goal, could have very easily made it three straight.

While the Oilers would go on to win two more Stanley Cups after that unfortunate goal, the Smith goal left many Oilers fans wondering ‘what if?’