What is the name of the NHL rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames?

The NHL rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames is called the Battle of Alberta.

The name reflects both geography and hockey intensity: Edmonton and Calgary are Alberta’s two major NHL cities, and their teams have shared a fierce provincial rivalry since Calgary joined Edmonton in the Smythe Division in 1981–82. Games often carry the extra edge of local bragging rights.

The rivalry became especially famous during the 1980s. Edmonton, led by stars including Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, built a dynasty, while Calgary developed into a powerful contender. The clubs met repeatedly in the playoffs, including memorable division-final series in 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1988. Edmonton won most of those meetings, but Calgary’s 1986 victory included Steve Smith’s infamous own goal.

The Battle of Alberta is not the same as the Battle of Ontario, which refers primarily to Toronto and Ottawa, or the Battle of Quebec, a former rivalry between Montreal and Quebec City. The two Alberta teams also played an outdoor Heritage Classic in Edmonton in 2023.