30 Facts About Flames Vs. Kings

Flames vs. Kings: A Rivalry Ignited

The Calgary Flames and the Los Angeles Kings have a storied rivalry in the NHL. This matchup has produced some of the most memorable moments in hockey history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these two teams and their epic battles.

Historical Background

Understanding the history of these teams provides context for their rivalry.

1. The Flames were originally based in Atlanta. The team moved to Calgary in 1980, becoming the Calgary Flames.
2. The Kings were one of the six teams added in the 1967 NHL expansion. This expansion doubled the size of the league from six to twelve teams.
3. The Flames won their first and only Stanley Cup in 1989. They defeated the Montreal Canadiens in a six-game series.
4. The Kings won their first Stanley Cup in 2012. They followed it up with another championship in 2014.

Memorable Matches

Some games between these teams have become legendary.

5. The Flames and Kings faced off in the 1990 Smythe Division Semifinals. The Kings won the series in six games.
6. In 2014, the Kings made a historic comeback against the Flames. They overcame a three-goal deficit to win 4-3 in overtime.
7. The Flames' biggest win against the Kings came in 1991. Calgary defeated Los Angeles 13-1, a record margin.
8. The Kings' largest victory over the Flames occurred in 1993. Los Angeles won 9-0, showcasing their offensive power.

Star Players

Both teams have had their share of superstar players.

9. Wayne Gretzky played for the Kings from 1988 to 1996. He is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time.
10. Jarome Iginla is the Flames' all-time leading scorer. He played for Calgary from 1996 to 2013.
11. Luc Robitaille is the Kings' all-time leading goal scorer. He scored 557 goals for Los Angeles.
12. Miikka Kiprusoff holds the Flames' record for most wins by a goaltender. He played for Calgary from 2003 to 2013.

Coaching Legends

Great coaches have led these teams to success.

13. Darryl Sutter coached both the Flames and the Kings. He led the Kings to two Stanley Cup victories.
14. Terry Crisp coached the Flames to their only Stanley Cup win. He was behind the bench from 1987 to 1990.
15. Bob Pulford was the first coach of the Kings. He led the team from 1972 to 1977.

Fan Culture

Fans play a huge role in the atmosphere of these games.

16. The "C of Red" is a famous Flames tradition. Fans wear red to home games, creating a sea of red in the stands.
17. Kings fans are known for their "Go Kings Go" chant. This chant echoes throughout the Staples Center during games.
18. The Flames' mascot, Harvey the Hound, is a fan favorite. He has been entertaining fans since 1983.
19. Bailey, the Kings' mascot, is a lion. He represents the "King of the Jungle" and has been with the team since 2007.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set impressive records over the years.

20. The Flames hold the record for most points in a season. They earned 117 points during the 1988-89 season.
21. The Kings set a record for most road wins in a single playoff season. They won 10 road games during their 2012 Stanley Cup run.
22. Calgary's Al MacInnis won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1989. This award is given to the most valuable player in the playoffs.
23. Jonathan Quick of the Kings won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2012. He was instrumental in their Stanley Cup victory.

Recent Developments

The rivalry continues to evolve with new players and moments.

24. Matthew Tkachuk has become a key player for the Flames. Known for his physical play and scoring ability.
25. Anze Kopitar remains a cornerstone for the Kings. He has been with the team since 2006 and continues to lead by example.
26. The Flames and Kings both missed the playoffs in 2021. This marked a rare occurrence for both teams.
27. The Kings are in a rebuilding phase. They are focusing on developing young talent for future success.
28. The Flames have made significant roster changes. They aim to return to playoff contention.

Fun Facts

Some quirky and fun facts about these teams.

29. The Flames' original mascot was a dragon named "Scorch." He was replaced by Harvey the Hound.
30. The Kings' original colors were purple and gold. They switched to black and silver in 1988 to match the Los Angeles Raiders.

Final Whistle

The Flames vs. Kings rivalry has given fans countless unforgettable moments. From thrilling overtime wins to record-breaking performances, this matchup never disappoints. Both teams have rich histories and passionate fanbases that fuel the intensity every time they hit the ice. Whether you're a die-hard Flames supporter or a loyal Kings fan, there's no denying the excitement this rivalry brings.

Remember, hockey isn't just about the stats and scores. It's about the heart, the passion, and the unforgettable memories created along the way. So, next time these two teams face off, grab your jersey, cheer loud, and enjoy every second of the action. The Flames vs. Kings rivalry is a testament to the spirit of the game, and it’s one that will continue to captivate fans for years to come. Keep the spirit alive and celebrate the love of hockey!