Forget the battle of Alberta (actually if Edmonton finally turns it around they can have a legit rivalry again), Vancouver and Calgary had ferocious battle last season. The Canucks won the regular season battle but the Flames won the war in the playoffs.
But that was this year and now it's a new year.
Calgary
The new year has brought some legitimate hype for Flames fans. They had lots to get excited about and cheer for last season as they look forward to a promising future. Loaded with young, hard working and hitting talent they look to win a lot of games. The gold mine of Johnny Gaudreau and the hope of Sam Bennett light the hype fire for this franchise. This combined with the epic Hamilton trade and the return of Giordano give legitimate hope for this season's success.
Vancouver
The Canucks on the other hand have come out of the Gillis years hurting. Supposedly Linden was to come to the rescue of a downward spiralling franchise. The promise of changes coming, Linden and Benning were true to their word. But were these changes for the better or just a bunch of propaganda to get fans to watch the games? Moving Kassian proved to be good but trading Bonino for Sutter remains to be scene. Letting Richardson and Mathias go gave room to add some young players to the roster.
Then came the schedule...Vancouver and Calgary get to play back to back home games. Flames fans are pumped. 2 easy wins. Canucks fans are nervous that we are going to go 0-2 to start the season.
Then opening night hits...
If someone from the future came to me and said the Flames would win 5-1 it wouldn't have come as a surprise. Canuck fans really don't know what they are going to get.
But the results did shock all Canuck and Flames fans. 5-1 Vancouver in the Saddledome? Are you for real? The Canucks came to play! It started with Hansen's laser from the right side of the rink to the top shelf over Ramo's glove! Despite the beautiful goal by Hudler the Canucks were too strong on opening night. Even Sutter had an amazing goal and the twins produced again. Miller looked solid and Calgary deflected a shot into their own goal. Crazy 1st game.
Now time for game 2 in Vancouver.
Honestly I had no idea what to expect but I'm excited that this rivalry is not dead but alive and well.
What a game! Hard fought battle. Ryan Miller was sensational but Hiller made the huge save in OT.
Dougie Hamilton opened the scoring with his 1st goal as a Flame. Then the Canucks took over and played well especially the young stars in Horvat, Hutton, and McCann. Which gave Canuck fans some hope. But in the 3rd the Flames started to dominate the play in the Canucks end resulting in the tying goal to force OT.
The 3 on 3 OT was so fun to watch. Actioned packed hockey. And Sutter had stolen the puck and had Sedin open for the breakaway but Johnny hockey didn't quit and scored an incredible goal to end the game. Calgary continued last seasons success with the 3rd period comeback.
But at the end of the day, Vancouver got 3 points out of 4 possible points. And Calgary after a disappointing performance bounced back with a never quit performance.
This rivalry is fantastic. Next game is Saturday Feb 6, 2016. There's a lot of fans looking forward to it!
