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Discover the story of the Calgary Flames with LeoVegas

The Calgary Flames: A Legacy of Passion, Rivalry, and Triumph in the NHL

Based in Calgary, Alberta, the Calgary Flames have been a powerhouse franchise in the National Hockey League since their arrival at the Scotiabank Saddledome in 1980. Cowtown’s NHL franchise is known for its committed fanbase, competitive spirit, and a relatively short, yet strong history of significant achievements that have made the Flames synonymous with excellence and resilience in hockey.

Table of Contents:

The Birth of the Franchise

Originally founded in 1972 as the Atlanta Flames, the team joined the NHL as an expansion franchise. The early years in Atlanta were marked by a moderate level of success, yet the franchise struggled financially. Despite stars like Tom Lysiak and Eric Vail, the team struggled to maintain a sustainable fanbase in the southern market - even though they managed to make the playoffs in six of their eight seasons.

Their mounting financial woes led to a pivotal moment in 1980 when the team was relocated to Calgary, Alberta. The move brought about a whole new era for the Flames, with the team now based within a city widely known for its dominant sports culture and loyal community spirit.

The Flames' Place in NHL History

Since then, the Calgary Flames have built a distinct legacy in the NHL, which has been characterized by passionate rivalries, memorable triumphs, and a constant pursuit to excel at all levels of performance.

From their early days through their rise to prominence in the 1980s and beyond, the Flames have consistently demonstrated resilience and ambition. The team's impressive journey led to their one and only Stanley Cup victory in 1989, an impressive feat that the team came close to repeating in 2004. Despite all the obstacles they’ve faced, the Flames remain a symbol of determination and pride for their ever-dedicated fans.

The Early Years: Foundation and Struggles

Having started as the Atlanta Flames in 1972, the franchise managed to achieve a moderate level of success on the ice, but the Flames also faced significant financial difficulties down south that worsened to the point of bankruptcy. This financial strain called for a drastic change. A group of Canadian entrepreneurs, led by Nelson Skalbania, purchased the struggling franchise and relocated it to Calgary, Alberta in 1980 - a move that would transform both the team and the city's sporting landscape.

The Team’s Relocation to Calgary (1980)

The move to Calgary brought about a huge change and the start of a new era for the Flames. The city of Calgary is renowned for its robust sports culture and deeply loyal fanbase - an excellent setting for the newly rebranded team to flourish. The relocation to Calgary was not just a simple change of address, but an entire rebirth for the franchise.

Luckily, the Flames were warmly welcomed by the Calgary community, as expected, and their support played a crucial role in helping the team establish a foothold in their new home

The move to Calgary proved an immediate success, with passionate hockey fans snapping up tickets and packing the Stampede Corral to capacity. The team's first home game on October 9, 1980, set the tone for what would become one of hockey's most devoted fanbases.

Establishing a Team Identity

With this big change, the team needed to focus on a strong identity, a process which involved not only assembling a competitive roster of players, but also building a culture of resilience and determination to face far more established opponents.

Despite a successful first season, the Flames suffered during the next few years, and it came down to general manager Cliff Fletcher to set things right. Key players like Joel Otto, Gary Suter, and Colin Patterson were brought in, embodying the spirit and values the Flames wanted to represent. These efforts were aimed at creating a team that was not only skillful but also exemplified the grit and resolve that would become synonymous with the franchise.

The Flames’ identity was further solidified through their performance both on and off the ice. It took a few years, but the players' dedication and the management's strategic vision finally paid off, as the team made significant strides in the league. The early struggles, and the way the team responded, laid the groundwork for the Flames' future successes.

The Rise to Glory: The 1980s and Early Success

After a tumultuous first decade, the 1980s became a transformative period for the Calgary Flames. During this time, the team successfully established itself as a formidable force in the NHL. These years saw the acquisition of key players, strategic team strategy, and significant achievements which would be remembered for years to come.

Key Players in the 1980s

One of the key reasons for the Flames' prominent rise in the 1980s came from the exceptional talent and leadership skills of key players. This included the likes of Lanny McDonald, who joined the Flames in 1981 and quickly became an iconic figure and driving force for the franchise both on and off the ice. His skill, attitude, and leadership were instrumental in improving the team's performance.

1986 saw the arrival of Joe Nieuwendyk, whose goal-scoring streak added a much-needed boost to the Flames' offensive play. The defence was also bolstered by Al MacInnis' powerful slapshot and defensive knowledge.

Building a Championship-Caliber Team

General manager Cliff Fletcher was a crucial figure behind the team’s development. His vision involved a series of strategic trades and acquisitions that addressed weaknesses in the roster and strengthened the team's core. The addition of players like Doug Risebrough and Gary Roberts added even more depth and toughness to the already solid lineup. These strong choices created a balanced and competitive team that could finally take on the league’s most elite teams.

The 1986 Stanley Cup Final Appearance

The culmination of these efforts finally came to fruition in the 1985-1986 season when the Calgary Flames made their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. It was a historic moment for the franchise, where they could showcase their growth from a struggling team to one of the sport’s top contenders.

Although the journey to the final came with its fair share of memorable moments, including the Battle of Alberta where they faced off against the Edmonton Oilers, the Flames ultimately fell short. They lost the final to the Montreal Canadiens. Despite this defeat, their performance sent a clear message about the team's potential and resilience.

Stanley Cup Triumph: The 1989 Championship

The Road to the Stanley Cup

Following the 1986 season, the Calgary Flames continued on a journey toward success, which ultimately resulted in their first Stanley Cup victory in 1989. Under coach Terry Crisp's leadership, the Flames finished the regular season with an impressive record, securing the Presidents' Trophy as the league's top team.

This set the tone for their playoff campaign, where the Flames showcased their prowess against formidable opponents. The franchise overcame the Vancouver Canucks in a tight first-round series, followed by a more solid victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The Conference Final saw them face the Chicago Blackhawks, a series in which the Flames' strategy ultimately secured their place in the Stanley Cup Final.

Memorable Moments in the Final

The 1989 Stanley Cup Final saw the Calgary Flames once again face the Montreal Canadiens. This time around, the Flames proved to be a far better franchise.

The most iconic moment came in Game Six when Lanny McDonald, the Flames’ beloved Captain, scored a decisive and career-defining goal. It would also prove to be a bittersweet moment, as McDonald would then go on to announce his retirement.

Goaltender Mike Vernon made crucial saves that kept the Flames competitive, with one unforgettable glove save against a breakaway late in the third period to preserve the lead. Throughout the series, Joe Nieuwendyk's relentless forechecking and Doug Gilmour's clutch goals played pivotal roles in securing victory for the Flames.

Impact of the 1989 Victory on the Franchise

The 1989 Stanley Cup victory would go on to have a profound impact on the Calgary Flames. It solidified the franchise’s status as one of the elite teams in the NHL, invigorating the fan base and creating a legacy of support for the team.

It also established a winning culture within the organization, a standard that the team would strive to match in future seasons. This triumph remains a cornerstone of the Flames' history and is still remembered as the greatest moment in the franchise’s story of success.

Key Players Who Shaped the Flames' Legacy

Lanny McDonald: The Iconic Captain

Lanny McDonald remains the most iconic player in the Calgary Flames' history. His strong leadership could be seen both on and off the ice, and throughout his career, he was the heart and soul of the team.

His career culminated in his celebrated goal in Game Six of the 1989 Stanley Cup Final, a gift to the team that would be remembered forever by fans. Shortly after, he announced his retirement, marking the end of an era, but it certainly cemented his status as one of the most beloved figures in Flames’ history.

Joe Nieuwendyk: A Scoring Machine

One of the most prolific scorers in the franchise’s history, Joe Nieuwendyk, brought a dynamic presence to the Calgary Flames. His unmatched ability to find the back of the net made him an indispensable asset to the team and his efforts went a long way in helping Calgary strive to meet their goals.

Nieuwendyk's consistent goal-scoring performances played a vital role in the Flames' success during the late 1980s through the early 1990s. His contributions proved to be pivotal in establishing the Flames' competitive edge following their success in 1989.

The Dominance of Al MacInnis and The Blue Line

Where Nieuwendyk delivered on the offensive side of the game, Al MacInnis, known for his powerful slapshot, was a cornerstone of the Flames' blue line. His performance in the 1989 playoffs was spectacular and would go on to earn him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

But MacInnis was not just a defensive stalwart. He contributed to the offence, quarterbacking power plays and assisting key goals from the point. His presence on the blue line set the standard for what it means to be a dominant defenceman in the NHL.

The Saddledome: A Home of Hockey Passion

The Flames’ Iconic Home Arena

The Scotiabank Saddledome is the NHL's second oldest arena and serves as the current home ice of the Calgary Flames.

This iconic venue has hosted countless unforgettable moments since it opened in 1983. The stadium can host up to 19,289 hockey and lacrosse fans, although it can be configured for different capacities when special events or concerts are in town.

The Saddledome has witnessed countless historic Flames moments, with a new chapter set to begin when they move to Scotia Place in 2027. Their new arena is set to attract more ice talent and become the city's main entertainment destination district.

Memorable Events at the Saddledome

Although the Flames would lift the 1989 Stanley Cup at the Montreal Canadiens’ Forum, the Saddledome hosted the first, second, and fifth games in the series. It also witnessed intense games, including fierce confrontations during the Battle of Alberta.

One particularly memorable game was Game 7 of the 1991 Smythe Division Semifinals, where the Flames faced their arch-rivals, the Edmonton Oilers. Despite the Flames' best efforts, Edmonton won in overtime, delivering a heartbreaking defeat.

Rivalries: Intensity Beyond the Ice

Battle of Alberta: Flames vs. Oilers

Arguably, the most storied rivalry in the Flames' history is the Battle of Alberta with the Edmonton Oilers. It’s always a high-stakes encounter, with both teams fighting for provincial supremacy. The clashes between these two powerhouses have resulted in some of the most thrilling and hard-fought games in the NHL, delivering nail-biting finishes and unforgettable moments.

The Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks: A West Coast Clash

The Flames-Canucks rivalry dates back to 1982, with both teams frequently clashing in pivotal playoff matchups. Notably, they faced off in the 1989, 1994, and 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs, with each series intensifying the rivalry.

After a few heated games in the 1980s, the rivalry cooled with the teams not facing one another again after 1994. A decade later, the two played once again, with the Flames defeating their rivals. It would be another 10 years before these teams came head to head once again. The rivalry has been fueled by the nature of the games they've played against each other, with both teams having played each other in three overtime game sevens in the playoffs.

Historic Rivalries That Defined the Team’s Era

Beyond these two prominent rivalries, the Flames have established additional rivalries with top NHL teams that have grown over time. Among these are the rivalries with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings, despite the Flames not having played against the latter in the playoffs since 1993. But the team still meets these two rivals in the regular season meetings and their tight games have led to some of the most memorable matches the Flames have ever seen.

Playoff Performances: Near Misses & Historic Runs

One of the most memorable moments in the team's history came during the 2004 Stanley Cup Final, a series filled with heartbreak and hope. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Flames came incredibly close to securing their second Stanley Cup, only to miss out after a dramatic seven-game series.

In recent years, the Flames have seen a mix of near misses and promising runs in the playoffs and their post-season journeys have been characterized by intense battles embodying the perseverance that defines the team.

Player Development: Building Future Stars

One of the Flames’ key strengths is their ability to identify new talent through draft and scouting techniques. The franchise invests in a robust scouting network, ensuring they identify and cultivate young talent that can make a significant impact on the ice. The Flames have built an excellent drafting process, often developing talent beyond raw skill, embedding the right attitude and work ethic that aligns with the team's culture.

Rasmus Andersson and Jonathan Huberdeau have become key players for the Flames. Andersson's solid defence, combined with Huberdeau's offensive skills and playmaking ability, show the success of the team's developmental strategy and can lead to some excellent performances from the team.

FAQs

When were the Calgary Flames founded?

The Calgary Flames were founded in 1972.

Who are the most famous players in Flames history?

The Flames' NHL Hall of Fame roster includes Lanny McDonald and Mike Vernon (retired numbers), plus Doug Gilmour, Joe Mullen, Al MacInnis, and Joe Nieuwendyk, with MacInnis and Nieuwendyk spending most of their careers in Calgary.

What was the Flames' greatest achievement?

The Flames’ greatest achievement was winning the Stanley Cup Final in 1989.

How did the Flames’ rivalry with the Oilers shape the team?

The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, known as the Battle of Alberta, has ignited passionate fans and driven both teams to compete for provincial hockey supremacy since 1980.

Where do the Flames play their home games?

The Flames currently call the Scotiabank Saddledome home ice, however a new stadium, Scotia Place, is slated to open in fall 2027.

What is the significance of the Saddledome for the Flames?

The Saddledome is the home of the Calgary Flames and has been since 1983.

Who is the best Calgary Flames player right now?

Jonathan Huberdeau is considered to be the best Calgary Flames player right now.

Who is the Calgary Flames All-Time leading scorer?

Jarome Iginla is the all-time leading scorer with 1,219 points.

Who are Calgary Flames owned by?

The Calgary Flames are owned by Calgary Sports and Entertainment.

Who is Number 11 on the Calgary Flames?

Mikael Backlund is the Calgary Flames player who wears number 11. He plays centre for the Flames.

Who wore 13 for the Calgary Flames?

The late Johnny Gaudreau wore the number 13 jersey for the Calgary Flames.

Who is the Hall of Famer for the Calgary Flames?

There are several Hall of Famers including Lanny McDonald (1992), Al MacInnis (2007), and Joe Nieuwendyk (2011). Other inductees who played for the Flames include Doug Gilmour, Grant Fuhr, and Sergei Makarov.

Who is the best Calgary Flames goalie?

Miikka Kiprusoff is considered the best Calgary Flames goalie of all time.

Why are they called Calgary Flames?

The Calgary Flames are named after the fire that destroyed Atlanta, Georgia during the American Civil War. The team was originally called the Atlanta Flames but later moved to Calgary in 1980 and kept the name.