The Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames have a history of intense matchups that go back decades. These two teams have played some of the most memorable games in NHL history, including several playoff series that have produced unforgettable moments. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the rivalry between the Los Angeles Kings and the Calgary Flames, exploring the history of each team, their playing styles, and what makes this rivalry so special.
29 MARCH 2023
TIME: 09:00 PM ET
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Los Angeles Kings: The City of Angels Contenders
The Los Angeles Kings were founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first expansion. Over the years, the team has had its share of ups and downs, but they have enjoyed a recent resurgence under head coach Todd McLellan.
The Kings are known for their physical and hard-nosed playing style. They have a reputation for being a tough team to play against, with a roster full of gritty players who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. The team’s defense is particularly strong, led by former Norris Trophy winner Drew Doughty and veteran blue-liner Alec Martinez.
Off the ice, the Kings have a loyal and passionate fan base. Los Angeles is a city that loves its sports, and the Kings are a major part of that culture. The team’s home arena, the Staples Center, is always packed with enthusiastic fans who create an electric atmosphere on game days.
Calgary Flames: The Stampede City Warriors
The Calgary Flames were founded in 1972 and have been one of the most iconic franchises in NHL history. The team has won a Stanley Cup championship and reached the finals three other times over the years.
The Flames are known for their gritty and hard-working playing style. They have a reputation for being a tough team to play against, with a roster full of physical players who are not afraid to get into the corners and battle for the puck. The team’s defense is particularly strong, led by Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano and veteran blue-liner Chris Tanev.
Off the ice, the Flames have a loyal and passionate fan base. Calgary is a city that loves its sports, and the Flames are a major part of that culture. The team’s home arena, the Scotiabank Saddledome, is always packed with enthusiastic fans who create a raucous atmosphere on game days.
The Rivalry: Los Angeles vs. Calgary
The rivalry between the Kings and the Flames dates back to the 1980s, when the two teams met in the playoffs three times in four years. These matchups were marked by intense physicality and high stakes, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for a chance to advance.
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry came in 1993, when the Kings and the Flames met in the first round of the playoffs. The series went to seven games, with the Kings coming out on top in a hard-fought battle. However, the series will be remembered for the Miracle on Manchester, when the Kings erased a 5-0 deficit in Game 3 to win in overtime.
What makes this rivalry special is the contrast in playing styles between the two teams. The Kings are a more defensive-minded team, while the Flames are known for their physicality and hard-working style. When these two styles clash on the ice, the result is often a thrilling and hard-fought battle.
Off the ice, the fan bases of both teams are equally passionate and dedicated. Los Angeles fans are known for their “black-and-silver” jerseys and the team’s signature “SoCal” attitude, while Calgary fans are known for their love of cowboy hats and the Flames’ iconic “C” logo.
Looking Ahead
As the NHL season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the rivalry between the Kings and the Flames develops.