Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames weigh in on NHL playoff Battle of Alberta
CALGARY — The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers meet in the playoffs for the first time since 1991 in a best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal starting Wednesday. Here are some key quotes from both teams:
“We became a province in 1905 I believe, so that’s 116 years ago. How many people are in Alberta? Four and a half million maybe? What brings our province together, always? No. 1 sports, No. 2 church, No. 3 music.
“What’s this doing to Alberta right now? It’s bringing people together. They might cheer for the Oilers, they might cheer for the Flames. Big deal. It’s sport. That’s what it’s about.
“Is it important? Damn right it’s important. It’s great for the league. It’s great for Alberta, especially with what’s gone on. COVID, oil and gas, livestock, agriculture, we’ve all got smoked here the last two years, right? It’s good to see that energy, all that’s positive and it’s awesome.” — Flames head coach Darryl Sutter