Calgary Flames
The Flames clinched the Pacific Division with a 4–2 win over the Stars, then beat Dallas in seven games in the First Round.
The 2021–22 Calgary Flames season was the Flames' 42nd season in Calgary, and the 50th season for the Flames' National Hockey League franchise that was established on June 6, 1972. On April 16, 2022, the Flames clinched a playoff berth after the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights. On April 21, the Flames clinched the Pacific Division after a 4–2 victory over the Dallas Stars. The Flames beat the Stars in seven games in the First Round of the playoffs. The following round, they were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in five games. The series was only the second time two Canadian teams had met in the second round of the playoffs since 2002, and the first such matchup since then to have occurred under conventional division alignment.
- Key Conflict
- Smythe Division Playoff Battles (1993–1998)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Flames' 2021–22 season marked their 42nd in Calgary and the 50th for the franchise, which was established on June 6, 1972. On April 16, 2022, the Flames secured a playoff berth when the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights. Just five days later, on April 21, they clinched the Pacific Division title with a 4–2 victory over the Dallas Stars. In the First Round of the playoffs, the Flames faced the Stars and won the series in seven games. The next round pitted them against the Edmonton Oilers, who eliminated the Flames in five games. That series was notable as only the second time two Canadian teams had met in the second round of the playoffs since 2002, and the first such matchup under conventional division alignment.
In Their Own Story
The Flames entered the 2021–22 season with a franchise history stretching back to June 6, 1972. Their playoff path began on April 16, 2022, when the Edmonton Oilers' win over the Vegas Golden Knights punched Calgary's ticket to the postseason. On April 21, the Flames sealed the Pacific Division crown with a 4–2 win against the Dallas Stars. In the First Round, Calgary and Dallas battled through a full seven-game series, with the Flames emerging victorious. The second round brought a matchup with the Edmonton Oilers, who took the series in five games. That Oilers-Flames series was only the second time since 2002 that two Canadian teams had met in the second round, and the first to occur under conventional division alignment.
Reader's Guide
The 2021–22 Calgary Flames season was the franchise's 42nd in Calgary and 50th overall since its establishment on June 6, 1972. The Flames clinched a playoff berth on April 16, 2022, thanks to the Edmonton Oilers defeating the Vegas Golden Knights. They then won the Pacific Division on April 21 with a 4–2 victory over the Dallas Stars. In the First Round of the playoffs, the Flames defeated the Stars in seven games. The second round saw the Flames lose to the Edmonton Oilers in five games. That Oilers-Flames series was only the second time two Canadian teams had met in the second round of the playoffs since 2002, and the first such matchup under conventional division alignment.
Did You Know?
- The Flames' franchise was established on June 6, 1972.
- The Flames clinched a playoff berth on April 16, 2022, after the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights.
- The Flames clinched the Pacific Division on April 21, 2022, with a 4–2 victory over the Dallas Stars.
- The Flames beat the Dallas Stars in seven games in the First Round of the playoffs.
- The Flames were defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in five games in the second round, which was only the second time two Canadian teams had met in the second round since 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Calgary Flames in relation to the Dallas Stars?
The Calgary Flames are a historic divisional rival of the Dallas Stars, sharing roots as franchises that transitioned from the World Hockey Association into the NHL. Their connection is defined by intense competition within the Smythe Division during the 1990s.
What defines the rivalry between the Stars and Flames?
This feud is characterized by fierce physical play and high-stakes playoff battles that determined divisional supremacy throughout the 1990s. It remains one of the most storied matchups in NHL history due to its longevity and intensity.
Which players were central to this rivalry?
Star players like Mike Modano for Dallas and Joe Nieuwendyk, who played for both teams, alongside Jaromir Jagr, fueled the competitive fire during their peak years. These athletes often faced off in critical games that defined the era.
Why is this rivalry considered important?
The importance lies in how these two teams frequently clashed for playoff positioning, creating a legacy of legendary goaltending duels and memorable on-ice moments. It set a standard for divisional intensity that fans still reference today.
How did the 1990s shape this relationship?
The 1990s cemented the feud as both teams dominated the Smythe Division, leading to repeated and brutal playoff encounters. This decade established the physical and emotional tone of a rivalry that has persisted into the present day.
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