[Mony]

So in light of the trade of Sven over to Vancouver, there has been some talk in that thread that implies a good chunk of people consider the Canucks to be the Flames' primary and most hated rival.

While I agree that Vancouver is a major rival, I don't consider them to be our primary rival - I think that will always be the Oilers. But just because Edmonton is the primary rivalry, it isn't necessarily the most "relevant", if that makes sense. To clarify, the Battle of Alberta has historically been more significant than the Canucks/Flames rivalry, two 80's powerhouses that had to climb over the other to reach the Cup, "Death Valley", but it has come to the point where the BOA is viewed less significantly given the two teams have not done the greatest over the past few years. Another thing that may factor into this is that the Flames have simply had the Oilers' number over the past few years - their current streak is 6 straight wins and we have a very good shot of sweeping them in the last game this season.

The Battle of Alberta has also become a little messed up when it comes to the fans. I've seen a lot of Oilers fans this year actually admitting that they respect what Calgary's trying to do and a few have crossed over to our side. Although IMO that's a sporting sin - go with another team since that organization has done nothing to prove they deserve their loyal fans, but to a rival never. The first few months of the season, I'd go over to other places and check out what Oilers fans were thinking after each loss they took. It's no longer fun and it's pretty boring because it's all the same stuff being said.

The big question is - what is it gonna take to actually bring the rivalry back again? I was listening to the radio in the car a few weeks ago I think before a BOA, and one of the guys on the Fan says, "You know, the Flames say that they hate the Oilers, but I don't actually see it. You don't see it on the ice." Is Johnny gonna have to be crushed, or one of the Oilers' golden boys a victim of a questionable hit to put the spark back into this thing? Or when both of them are in similar spots higher up in the standings battling for playoff positioning - when would that even realistically happen?

What are everyone's thoughts on this subject, and if you have friends who are Oilers fans, how does the other side feel about this rivalry (or lack of it)?

Also Edmonton is no good.