1985–86 Calgary Flames season

NHL team season March 2026 August 2023 NHL 1985–86 1985 Calgary Flames Campbell 2nd Smythe 2nd 40–31–9 23–11–6 17–20–3 354 315 Cliff Fletcher Bob Johnson Lanny McDonald, Jim Peplinski, and Doug Risebrough Vacant Olympic Saddledome 16,762 Hakan Loob (31) Al MacInnis (57) Dan Quinn (72) Tim Hunter (291) Rejean Lemelin (29) Mike Vernon (3.39) Yes The 1985–86 Calgary Flames season was the sixth season in Calgary and 14th for the Flames franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL). It was a banner season for the Flames, who overcame a franchise record eleven game losing streak to finish 2nd in the Smythe Division and captured the franchise's first Clarence S. Campbell Bowl as Campbell Conference champions. In doing so, they became the first Calgary team to reach the Stanley Cup Finals since the Calgary Tigers in 1923–24. The Flames season ended at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens, who defeated Calgary in five games in the final. The season began with the departure of franchise leading scorer Kent Nilsson who was sent to the Minnesota North Stars in a trade. Rookie goaltender Mike Vernon emerged as the team's top goaltender and Joe Mullen was acquired in a major trade midway through the season. Gary Suter captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie while also being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. Additionally, Suter was the team's lone representative at the 1986 All-Star Game. Hakan Loob captured the Molson Cup. The Flames upset the heavily favoured Edmonton Oilers in the Smythe Division final to end the Oilers' hopes of winning a third consecutive championship. The series winning goal was scored into his own net by Oilers rookie Steve Smith. As Smith collapsed to the ice, Flames players celebrated the difference maker in what would finish as a 3–2 Calgary win. Smith's error remains one of the most legendary blunders in hockey history. 2 Regular season The Flames began the year with a similar roster as finished the 1984–85 season,Mummery, 1989, p. 68 with one major exception. Kent Nilsson, the franchise's all-time leading scorer, was dealt to the Minnesota North Stars for two draft picks.http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=13853 Kent Nilsson player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-16 2011-06-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20110615201724/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=13853 live Nilsson was viewed as a player with immense talent who ended each season as a perennial disappointment in the playoffs. Though he scored 99 points the season before, the Flames received few offers before agreeing to send him to Minnesota.Duhatschek, 1986, pp. 55–56 As the deal provided no immediate help for the team, co-captain Doug Risebrough anticipated that 1985–86 would be a transitional year for the Flames and the loss of Nilsson might force the team to play a more defensive style when compared to the team that finished second in league scoring the year previous.Simmons Steve Team leader disappointed Calgary Herald 1985-06-16 E1 The season opened in Calgary with a game against the Winnipeg Jets, the team that eliminated the Flames in the first round of the previous spring's playoffs. It ended with an 8–3 victory for the Flames, but not before a bench-clearing brawl resulted in the ejection of five players.Johnson George Lord of the jungle Calgary Sun 1985-10-13 SS8 Calgary was one of the top teams in the league in the early going, standing third overall on December 10 with a 15–8–3 record. Four nights later, they were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks, 4–3, and continued losing for nearly a month. After the Hartford Whalers handily defeated the Flames 9–1 on January 7, 1986, to send Calgary to its 11th consecutive defeat, a franchise record,Duhatschek, 1986, p. 52 coach Bob Johnson promised changes.Duhatschek Eric Whale of a loss inspires changes Calgary Herald 1986-01-08 F1 Among them was the recall of goaltender Mike Vernon from the Moncton Golden Flames, who was given the start ahead of Rejean Lemelin in their next game, against Vancouver.Duhatschek Eric Peplinski ends Flames' long nightmare Calgary Herald 1986-01-10 D1 He held the Flames in the game long enough for Jim Peplinski to score in the first minute of overtime for a 5–4 victory that ended the eighth-longest losing streak in NHL history.Duhatschek, 1986, p. 53 During the losing streak, on December 29, the Flames hosted Soviet team Dynamo Moscow in an exhibition game as part of the 1986 Super Series. Vernon was given the start for the game to let Lemelin rest and led Calgary to a 4–3 victory over Dynamo. It was the Flames' second victory in three years against a Soviet league club, and came despite what the team considered biased officiating by the Russian referee working the game.Duhatschek Eric Flames 'Sergei' became a Red Menace Calgary Herald 1985-12-30 C1 The team enjoyed greater success in the second half of the season, finishing the final 40 games with a record of 22–12–5. Vernon established himself as the starting goaltender by mid February and finished the regular season with only three losses in 15 decisions. The Flames ended the season in second place in the Smythe Division, sixth overall in the NHL, with 89 points.Mummery, 1989, p. 69 Seeking to upgrade the team's offence as the playoffs approached, general manager Cliff Fletcher completed a six-player trade with the St. Louis Blues that brought Joe Mullen, a player who had scored at least 40 goals each of his previous two seasons, to Calgary.Konotopetz Gyle Mullen ticketed to light Flames' fire Calgary Herald 1986-02-02 F1 A second deal in March had the Flames acquire four-time Stanley Cup champion John Tonelli from the New York Islanders and initiated a war of words with Edmonton Oilers general manager and coach Glen Sather, who accused Islanders general manager Bill Torrey of trying to help Fletcher eliminate the Oilers in the upcoming playoffs.Duhatschek, 1986, p. 62 CAL Record vs. opponents CGY Schedule and results background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 5px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 5px solid; 1985–86 regular season1985-86 Calgary Flames Schedule https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/CGY/1986_games.html Hockey-Reference.com March 24, 2025 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; October: 5–5–0 (home: 4–2–0; road: 1–3–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 1 || October 11 || Winnipeg || 3 – 8 || Calgary || || 1–0–0 || 2 |- | 2 || October 13 || Calgary || 9 – 2 || Los Angeles || || 2–0–0 || 4 |- | 3 || October 16 || St. Louis || 2 – 1 || Calgary || || 2–1–0 || 4 |- | 4 || October 19 || Boston || 6 – 3 || Calgary || || 2–2–0 || 4 |- | 5 || October 20 || Calgary || 5 – 8 || Winnipeg || || 2–3–0 || 4 |- | 6 || October 23 || Washington || 2 – 4 || Calgary || || 3–3–0 || 6 |- | 7 || October 25 || Calgary || 3 – 5 || Edmonton || || 3–4–0 || 6 |- | 8 || October 26 || Detroit || 4 – 7 || Calgary || || 4–4–0 || 8 |- | 9 || October 28 || Calgary || 3 – 5 || Edmonton || || 4–5–0 || 8 |- | 10 || October 30 || Buffalo || 2 – 4 || Calgary || || 5–5–0 || 10 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; November: 8–2–3 (home: 3–0–2; road: 5–2–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 11 || November 2 || Toronto || 2 – 4 || Calgary || || 6–5–0 || 12 |- | 12 || November 5 || Calgary || 4 – 4 || NY Islanders || OT || 6–5–1 || 13 |- | 13 || November 6 || Calgary || 5 – 2 || New Jersey || || 7–5–1 || 15 |- | 14 || November 9 || Calgary || 5 – 4 || Washington || || 8–5–1 || 17 |- | 15 || November 10 || Calgary || 1 – 5 || Buffalo || || 8–6–1 || 17 |- | 16 || November 13 || Winnipeg || 3 – 3 || Calgary || OT || 8–6–2 || 18 |- | 17 || November 16 || New Jersey || 2 – 7 || Calgary || || 9–6–2 || 20 |- | 18 || November 17 || Calgary || 5 – 4 || Winnipeg || || 10–6–2 || 22 |- | 19 || November 19 || Minnesota || 3 – 3 || Calgary || OT || 10–6–3 || 23 |- | 20 || November 23 || Calgary || 3 – 4 || Montreal || || 10–7–3 || 23 |- | 21 || November 26 || Calgary || 3 – 1 || Quebec || || 11–7–3 || 25 |- | 22 || November 27 || Calgary || 5 – 2 || NY Rangers || || 12–7–3 || 27 |- | 23 || November 30 || NY Islanders || 3 – 4 || Calgary || || 13–7–3 || 29 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; December: 4–8–0 (home: 4–1–0; road: 0–7–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 24 || December 1 || Calgary || 3 – 5 || Edmonton || || 13–8–3 || 29 |- | 25 || December 4 || Hartford || 5 – 8 || Calgary || || 14–8–3 || 31 |- | 26 || December 6 || Chicago || 2 – 5 || Calgary || || 15–8–3 || 33 |- | 27 || December 10 || Los Angeles || 5 – 6 || Calgary || || 16–8–3 || 35 |- | 28 || December 12 || Los Angeles || 0 – 5 || Calgary || || 17–8–3 || 37 |- | 29 || December 14 || Calgary || 3 – 4 || Vancouver || || 17–9–3 || 37 |- | 30 || December 17 || Calgary || 3 – 4 || Pittsburgh || || 17–10–3 || 37 |- | 31 || December 18 || Calgary || 3 – 4 || Hartford || || 17–11–3 || 37 |- | 32 || December 20 || Calgary || 2 – 5 || St. Louis || || 17–12–3 || 37 |- | 33 || December 22 || Calgary || 4 – 5 || Chicago || OT || 17–13–3 || 37 |- | 34 || December 28 || Philadelphia || 6 – 5 || Calgary || || 17–14–3 || 37 |- | – || December 29 || Dynamo Moscow || 3 – 4 || Calgary || || colspan="2"|Exhibition |- | 35 || December 31 || Calgary || 3 – 6 || Minnesota || || 17–15–3 || 37 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; January: 6–7–2 (home: 3–3–1; road: 3–4–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 36 || January 2 || Edmonton || 4 – 3 || Calgary || || 17–16–3 || 37 |- | 37 || January 4 || Montreal || 6 – 5 || Calgary || || 17–17–3 || 37 |- | 38 || January 5 || Calgary || 3 – 6 || Edmonton || || 17–18–3 || 37 |- | 39 || January 7 || Hartford || 9 – 1 || Calgary || || 17–19–3 || 37 |- | 40 || January 9 || Vancouver || 4 – 5 || Calgary || OT || 18–19–3 || 39 |- | 41 || January 12 || Calgary || 0 – 3 || Philadelphia || || 18–20–3 || 39 |- | 42 || January 14 || Calgary || 4 – 3 || Washington || || 19–20–3 || 41 |- | 43 || January 16 || Calgary || 2 – 3 || Boston || || 19–21–3 || 41 |- | 44 || January 18 || Calgary || 7 – 4 || Detroit || || 20–21–3 || 43 |- | 45 || January 19 || Calgary || 9 – 5 || Toronto || || 21–21–3 || 45 |- | 46 || January 22 || New Jersey || 6 – 6 || Calgary || OT || 21–21–4 || 46 |- | 47 || January 25 || Pittsburgh || 2 – 5 || Calgary || || 22–21–4 || 48 |- | 48 || January 27 || Los Angeles || 3 – 6 || Calgary || || 23–21–4 || 50 |- | 49 || January 29 || Calgary || 4 – 4 || Vancouver || OT || 23–21–5 || 51 |- | 50 || January 31 || Calgary || 4 – 7 || Edmonton || || 23–22–5 || 51 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; February: 7–3–2 (home: 4–2–2; road: 3–1–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 51 || February 1 || Edmonton || 4 – 4 || Calgary || OT || 23–22–6 || 52 |- | 52 || February 6 || Los Angeles || 2 – 7 || Calgary || || 24–22–6 || 54 |- | 53 || February 9 || Calgary || 7 – 3 || Los Angeles || || 25–22–6 || 56 |- | 54 || February 12 || Winnipeg || 2 – 4 || Calgary || || 26–22–6 || 58 |- | 55 || February 14 || Buffalo || 3 – 3 || Calgary || OT || 26–22–7 || 59 |- | 56 || February 16 || Quebec || 6 – 3 || Calgary || || 26–23–7 || 59 |- | 57 || February 18 || Boston || 4 – 7 || Calgary || || 27–23–7 || 61 |- | 58 || February 20 || Toronto || 7 – 6 || Calgary || OT || 27–24–7 || 61 |- | 59 || February 21 || Calgary || 4 – 0 || Vancouver || || 28–24–7 || 63 |- | 60 || February 23 || Calgary || 2 – 6 || Chicago || || 28–25–7 || 63 |- | 61 || February 25 || Calgary || 4 – 1 || St. Louis || || 29–25–7 || 65 |- | 62 || February 27 || Philadelphia || 4 – 7 || Calgary || || 30–25–7 || 67 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; March: 7–6–2 (home: 3–1–1; road: 4–5–1) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 63 || March 1 || Vancouver || 2 – 3 || Calgary || || 31–25–7 || 69 |- | 64 || March 2 || Calgary || 5 – 1 || Los Angeles || || 32–25–7 || 71 |- | 65 || March 4 || Pittsburgh || 3 – 6 || Calgary || || 33–25–7 || 73 |- | 66 || March 6 || NY Rangers || 5 – 2 || Calgary || || 33–26–7 || 73 |- | 67 || March 9 || Calgary || 3 – 3 || Detroit || OT || 33–26–8 || 74 |- | 68 || March 11 || Calgary || 4 – 8 || NY Islanders || || 33–27–8 || 74 |- | 69 || March 12 || Calgary || 3 – 2 || NY Rangers || || 34–27–8 || 76 |- | 70 || March 14 || Calgary || 2 – 6 || Quebec || || 34–28–8 || 76 |- | 71 || March 15 || Calgary || 5 – 3 || Montreal || || 35–28–8 || 78 |- | 72 || March 19 || Calgary || 5 – 6 || Minnesota || || 35–29–8 || 78 |- | 73 || March 21 || Vancouver || 5 – 5 || Calgary || OT || 35–29–9 || 79 |- | 74 || March 23 || Calgary || 7 – 4 || Winnipeg || || 36–29–9 || 81 |- | 75 || March 26 || Calgary || 3 – 7 || Los Angeles || || 36–30–9 || 81 |- | 76 || March 28 || Winnipeg || 3 – 6 || Calgary || || 37–30–9 || 83 |- | 77 || March 30 || Calgary || 2 – 4 || Vancouver || || 37–31–9 || 83 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; April: 3–0–0 (home: 2–0–0; road: 1–0–0) # Date Visitor Score Home OT Record Points |- | 78 || April 1 || Vancouver || 5 – 6 || Calgary || || 38–31–9 || 85 |- | 79 || April 4 || Edmonton || 3 – 9 || Calgary || || 39–31–9 || 87 |- | 80 || April 6 || Calgary || 6 – 4 || Winnipeg || || 40–31–9 || 89 |- |- | Legend: #cfc Win (2 points) 1px solid black #fcc Loss (0 points) 1px solid black #ffc Tie (1 point) 1px solid black Playoffs The Flames began the 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs with a Smythe semi-final match-up against the Winnipeg Jets, the team that eliminated them in the first round the previous season. Calgary won the best-of-five series in three consecutive games, eliminating the Jets on a Lanny McDonald overtime goal in the third game.Mummery, 1989, p. 72 The victory set up a best-of-seven Smythe Division final against the two-time defending champion Edmonton Oilers who swept the Vancouver Canucks in the opening round. The Flames opened the series in Edmonton with a 4–1 victory, the first loss the Oilers had suffered on home ice in 18 playoff games.Swift E. M. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1064784/index.htm Shock after shock after... Sports Illustrated 1986-05-05 2010-06-17 2012-11-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102071006/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1064784/index.htm dead The two teams traded victories through the first six games, leading to a deciding seventh game in Edmonton.Mummery, 1989, p. 73 The Flames stepped out to an early 2–0 lead before the Oilers tied it. Disaster then struck Edmonton at the 5:14 mark of the third period. Oilers' rookie defenceman Steve Smith, attempting to play the puck from behind his own goal line, accidentally shot the puck off Oilers goaltender Grant Fuhr's skate and into his own net.http://www.oilersheritage.com/history/dynasty_players_stevesmith.html Steve Smith Edmonton Oilers Heritage Society 2010-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20100628231846/http://www.oilersheritage.com/history/dynasty_players_stevesmith.html 28 June 2010 dead As Smith collapsed to the ice in shock, the Flames celebrated the goal that was ultimately credited to Perry Berezan. He was the last Flame to touch the puck, though he was no longer on the ice when it went in. The Oilers were unable to come back, losing the game, 3–2, series, 4–3, and ending their hopes of winning a third consecutive Stanley Cup. Smith's blunder remains one of the most legendary errors in NHL history.Swift E. M. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/features/si_stanley_cup/1986/ SI Flashback: Stanley Cup 1986 CNN/SI 2010-06-17 2014-02-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20140221033940/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/features/si_stanley_cup/1986/ dead http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/stanleycup2006/content/features/topgame7.html Top 10: Game 7's Canadian Broadcasting Corporation 2010-06-17 2012-10-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20121025075836/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/stanleycup2006/content/features/topgame7.html live https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/chokes/hockey.html Biggest Stanley Cup playoff chokes ESPN 2010-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20100503163349/http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/chokes/hockey.html 3 May 2010 live The Campbell Conference Final against the St. Louis Blues was also a back and forth affair in which the Flames take a 3–2 series lead into the sixth game in St. Louis. Calgary led the sixth game 5–2 with 12 minutes to play before three quick goals by the Blues sent the game into overtime. Doug Wickenheiser scored to win the game for the Blues.Mummery, 1989, p. 78 The comeback came to be known as the Monday Night Miracle in St. Louis.The 100 Greatest Moments in St. Louis Sports Broeg Bob Bob Broeg 2000 Missouri Historical Society Press St. Louis 1-883982-31-6 178 The Flames rebounded in game seven, winning 2–1 to claim the first Clarence S. Campbell Bowl in franchise history as Campbell Conference champions. The victory also sent the Flames to their first Stanley Cup Final. It was the first time a team representing the city played in the final since the Calgary Tigers lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the 1924 Stanley Cup Final. Their opponent in 1986 was also the Canadiens in what constituted the first all-Canadian final since 1967.Kravitz Bob http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1064833/index.htm Trying to shake a bad case of the Blues Sports Illustrated 1986-05-19 2010-06-20 2012-11-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102075433/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1064833/index.htm dead Calgary opened the series with a 5–2 victory at home in the battle of rookie goaltenders: Vernon against Patrick Roy. Montreal evened the series with a 3–2 overtime victory in game two in which Brian Skrudland set an NHL record for the fastest overtime goal in playoff history when he scored nine seconds into the extra frame.http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=418739 Fastest playoff overtime goals National Hockey League 2009-04-16 2010-06-20 2012-10-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20121019063113/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=418739 dead Already missing three key players in Carey Wilson, Colin Patterson and Nick Fotiu due to injury, the Flames lost their top scorer in Joe Mullen to a neck injury during a game two loss.Mummery, 1989, p. 80 The Canadiens also won the third game as the series shifted to Montreal, and 1–0 Calgary loss in game four pushed the Flames to the brink of elimination. Montreal broke out to a 4–1 lead in the fifth game, at Calgary, before the Flames made a comeback attempt. They scored with less than four minutes remaining, and then moved within one goal when Mullen – who returned for game five wearing a neck brace – scored with 46 seconds remaining. A desperate push for the tying goal fell short when Roy made several key saves as time expired. Montreal celebrated the 23rd Stanley Cup championship in their franchise history as the fans loudly chanted "thank you Flames, thank you Flames" in appreciation of their team's efforts. background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 5px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 5px solid; 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; Smythe Division Semifinal vs. Winnipeg – Flames win 3–0 Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Series |- | 1 || April 9 || Winnipeg || 1 – 5 || Calgary || || Calgary leads 1–0 |- | 2 || April 10 || Winnipeg || 4 – 6 || Calgary || || Calgary leads 2–0 |- | 3 || April 12 || Calgary || 4 – 3 || Winnipeg || OT || Calgary wins 3–0 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; Smythe Division Final vs. Edmonton – Flames win 4–3 Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Series |- | 1 || April 18 || Calgary || 4 – 1 || Edmonton || || Calgary leads 1–0 |- | 2 || April 20 || Calgary || 5 – 6 || Edmonton || OT || Series tied 1–1 |- | 3 || April 22 || Edmonton || 2 – 3 || Calgary || || Calgary leads 2–1 |- | 4 || April 24 || Edmonton || 7 – 4 || Calgary || || Series tied 2–2 |- | 5 || April 26 || Calgary || 4 – 1 || Edmonton || || Calgary leads 3–2 |- | 6 || April 28 || Edmonton || 5 – 2 || Calgary || || Series tied 3–3 |- | 7 || April 30 || Calgary || 3 – 2 || Edmonton || || Calgary wins 4–3 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; Campbell Conference Final vs. St. Louis – Flames win 4–3 Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Series |- | 1 || May 2 || St. Louis || 3 – 2 || Calgary || || St. Louis leads 1–0 |- | 2 || May 4 || St. Louis || 2 – 8 || Calgary || || Series tied 1–1 |- | 3 || May 6 || Calgary || 5 – 3 || St. Louis || || Calgary leads 2–1 |- | 4 || May 8 || Calgary || 2 – 5 || St. Louis || || Series tied 2–2 |- | 5 || May 10 || St. Louis || 2 – 4 || Calgary || || Calgary leads 3–2 |- | 6 || May 12 || Calgary || 5 – 6 || St. Louis || OT || Series tied 3–3 |- | 7 || May 14 || St. Louis || 1 – 2 || Calgary || || Calgary wins 4–3 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#C8102E 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFD100 2px solid; Stanley Cup Finals vs. Montreal – Canadiens win 4–1 Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Series |- | 1 || May 16 || Montreal || 2 – 5 || Calgary || || Calgary leads 1–0 |- | 2 || May 18 || Montreal || 3 – 2 || Calgary || OT || Series tied 1–1 |- | 3 || May 20 || Calgary || 3 – 5 || Montreal || || Montreal leads 2–1 |- | 4 || May 22 || Calgary || 0 – 1 || Montreal || || Montreal leads 3–1 |- | 5 || May 24 || Montreal || 4 – 3 || Calgary || || Montreal wins 4–1 |- |- | Legend: #cfc Win 1px solid black #fcc Loss 1px solid black Battle of Alberta The Battle of Alberta dominated the Flames' focus late in the season as they continued to struggle against their provincial rival. The two-time defending champion Oilers were nearly unbeatable against Calgary, losing just five of 31 matchups over three years. Calgary's frustration against Edmonton was highlighted by a mid-season game where, after a large brawl that resulted in the ejection of five players from the game, Calgary's Doug Risebrough ended up in the penalty box with Marty McSorley's Oilers jersey. Risebrough shredded the jersey with his skates before tossing it back onto the ice. Oilers' coach Glen Sather, enraged by the act, called Risebrough "childish" and threatened to send him a $1000 bill to replace the sweater.Duhatschek Eric 'Riser' shreds Oiler Jersey Calgary Herald 1986-01-03 F3 Realizing Calgary's path to the Stanley Cup would go through Edmonton, coach Bob Johnson devised a seven-point plan for beating the Oilers that focused on limiting Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey and Jari Kurri's creativity, limiting access to the left side of the ice where the Oilers' top stars liked to skate, leaving their physical players on the ice by not engaging them and utilizing Neil Sheehy and Colin Patterson in roles designed to frustrate the Oiler players.Mummery, 1989, p. 77 Johnson first utilized the strategy in a late season game that ended in a 4–4 tie. The Flames then defeated the Oilers 9–3 in their final regular season meeting, a game that ended with another brawl and accusations by both teams that the other was sending their goons out after talented players.Duhatschek Eric Calgary spoils Gretzky's party Calgary Herald 1986-04-05 F1 The rivalry extended into the stands in the second game of the Smythe Division final in Edmonton. During the game, trainer Bearcat Murray went into the stands to rescue his son Al, also a trainer for the Flames, and tore ligaments in his leg in the process. Al had gone into the stands in an attempt to retrieve Gary Suter's stick, which had been knocked into the crowd and was being hidden by Oiler fans. Fearing for his son's safety, Bearcat jumped into the fray himself, suffering the injury. While being wheeled into an ambulance, Murray blew kisses for the cameras. The incident caught the attention of a group of fans in Boston, who formed the "Bearcat Murray Fan Club", and began showing up at the Boston Garden wearing skull caps and oversized moustaches mimicking Murray's looks when the Flames played there.Johnson George http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/columnists/story.html?id=d497d9a0-1b1d-4dca-9b73-997d87e5241f&p=1 The One and Only Bearcat 2008-11-02 2008-12-12 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160303192355/http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/columnists/story.html?id=d497d9a0-1b1d-4dca-9b73-997d87e5241f&p=1 2016-03-03 The Flames lost players on the ice during the physical series as well, as Carey Wilson required surgery to remove his spleen after he was "skewered" by Steve Smith, according to Johnson.Duhatschek, 1986, p. 23 Suter had his season ended after suffering torn ligaments in his knee following a low hit by Mark Messier.Duhatschek Eric A submarine check torpedoes Suter Calgary Herald 1986-05-01 F1 When the seventh game ended in victory, Flames fans in both Calgary and at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton spilled onto the streets in celebration.Keyser Tom Scarlet Fever leaves road fans delirious Calgary Herald 1986-05-01 A8 The "C of Red" was born in that playoff series as fans responded to a promotion to wear the colour with such enthusiasm that many stores across the city sold out of red clothing.Duhatschek, 1986, pp. 149–150 The effect was most pronounced during games, where nearly every fan in the Saddledome was in red. The C of Red inspired the Winnipeg Jets to create their White Out the following year.Hal Sigurdson Hal Sigurdson Whiteout aside, defence tells tale Winnipeg Free Press 83 1987-04-18 Player statistics Skaters Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes     Regular season   Playoffs Player # GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM Dan Quinn 10783042724418871510 Lanny McDonald 98028437144221171830 Gary Suter 20801850681411028108 Al MacInnis 27711576876214151930 Hakan Loob 12683136673622410146 Joel Otto 2979253459188225101580 Jim Peplinski 2477253559214225914107 Carey Wilson 33 762929582490222 Steve Bozek 26 64212243241426832 Doug Risebrough 86215284316922791638 Joe Mullen†Mullen A A 7 291622381121127194 Perry Berezan 21551221333981126 Paul Reinhart 2332825331521513184 Jamie Macoun 3477112132812216723 Richard Kromm‡ 22 6312172931————— Colin Patterson 1161141327221963910 Steve Konroyd‡ 3 597202764————— Eddy Beers 27 331110218————— Neil Sheehy 565216182712202279 Tim Hunter 1966871529119033108 Gino Cavallini‡ 6 27771426————— Charlie Bourgeois‡ 28 295510128————— Paul Baxter 4 474371941301155 John Tonelli† 2793471022791649 Terry Johnson† 6 24145711703364 Rejean Lemelin 31600551030110 Yves Courteau 25 4112010000 Brian Bradley 14 5011010000 Nick Fotiu 22 9011211101134 Mike Vernon 30 180114210110 Robin Bartell 15 10000600016 Dale DeGray 28 10000————— Mark Lamb 1610000————— Rik Wilson† 32 20000————— Marc D'Amour 1 1500022————— Mike EavesEaves B B 17—————81128 Brett Hull 16—————20000 Mullen A A Mullen scored 44 goals and 90 points combined between St. Louis and Calgary, both totals led the Flames over a full season. Eaves B B Eaves came out of retirement May 4, 1986, to replace Carey Wilson, who was injured in the Stanley Cup playoffs. †Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Calgary. Stats reflect time with the Flames only. ‡Traded mid-season. Goaltenders Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout losses; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average     Regular season   Playoffs Player # GP TOI W L T GA SO GAA GP TOI W L GA SO GAA Mike Vernon 30189219335213.392112291296002.93 Marc D'Amour 1155602423203.43 Rejean Lemelin 316033692924422914.08310901703.85 Awards and honours Listed at five feet, nine inches tall by NHL Central Scouting, defenceman Gary Suter was considered too small for the NHL and went unselected at both the 1982 and 1983 NHL entry drafts. Suter moved on to the University of Wisconsin where Flames scouts noted that he had grown two inches and was a leading player for his team. Calgary selected him with their 9th round selection in 1984.Duhatschek, 1986, p. 93 He joined the Flames in 1985–86 and quickly established himself as the team's top defenceman in the eyes of his coaches and teammates.Duhatschek, 1986, p. 95 Suter finished the season with 18 goals and 68 points and was awarded the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in addition to being named to the All-Rookie Team.http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11595 Gary Suter player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-07-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20100523174448/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11595 23 May 2010 live Additionally, Suter was the Flames' lone representative at the 1986 All-Star Game.2009–10 Calgary Flames Media Guide Calgary Flames Hockey Club Hanlon, Peter Kelso, Sean 25 Suter's 68 points was the second highest total by a rookie defenceman in league history, behind Larry Murphy's 76. + League awards Player Award Gary Suter Calder Memorial Trophy 2009–10 Calgary Flames Media Guide Calgary Flames Hockey Club Hanlon, Peter Kelso, Sean 160 Gary Suter NHL All-Rookie Team Team awards Hakan Loob Molson Cup Transactions The draft-day trade that sent franchise scoring leader Kent Nilsson to Minnesota, along with a third round selection, for second round draft picks in 1985 and 1987 was immediately controversial in Calgary as players and fans were divided on the merit of dealing Nilsson.Duhatschek Eric The ultimate fire sale Calgary Herald 1985-06-16 E1 While some players felt the trade was inevitable, others expressed their disappointment at the move, including co-captain Lanny McDonald, who wondered how the team would replace Nilsson's offensive production. Former teammate Willi Plett supported the trade, noting Nilsson's inconsistency: "Maybe I shouldn't be saying this, but trading a player like him, it never hurts you." The Flames completed a second significant trade in February, acquiring scoring forward Joe Mullen along with defencemen Terry Johnson and Rik Wilson from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Ed Beers, Charlie Bourgeois and Gino Cavallini. The Flames had targeted Mullen, who had scored 40+ goals each of his previous two seasons and had 28 for the Blues at the time of the deal, believing he could be a game breaker for them heading into the playoffs. Trades May 29, 1985http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=18501 Don Edwards player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-17 2010-05-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20100523101034/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=18501 live To Calgary Flames 4th round pick in 1987 (Tim Harris) To Toronto Maple Leafs Don Edwards June 15, 1985 To Calgary Flames 2nd round pick in 1985 (Joe Nieuwendyk)2nd round pick in 1987 (Stéphane Matteau) To Minnesota North Stars Kent Nilsson3rd round pick in 1986 (Brad Turner) January 16, 1986http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14461 Tony Stiles player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-17 2011-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110617101302/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14461 live To Calgary Flames Tom Thornbury To Quebec Nordiques Tony Stiles February 1, 1986 To Calgary Flames Joe MullenTerry JohnsonRik Wilson To St. Louis Blues Ed BeersCharlie BourgeoisGino Cavallini March 11, 1986http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11649 John Tonelli player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20100523180602/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11649 23 May 2010 live To Calgary Flames John Tonelli To New York Islanders Steve KonroydRich Kromm March 11, 1986http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12635 Nick Fotiu player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-17 2011-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110617031512/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12635 live To Calgary Flames Nick Fotiu To New York Rangers Future Considerations March 11, 1986http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14708 Rik Wilson player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-17 2011-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110617061707/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=14708 live To Calgary Flames Tom McMurchy To Chicago Black Hawks Rik Wilson Free agents Player Former team D Robin Bartell Canadian national team LW Bob Bodak Springfield Indians (AHL) Player New team C Bruce Eakin Detroit Red Wings RW Jim Jackson Buffalo Sabres C Steve Tambellini Vancouver Canucks Draft picks List of Calgary Flames draft picks The 1985 NHL entry draft was held in Toronto, Ontario on June 15. The Flames used their first round pick, 17th overall, on American defenceman Chris Biotti. The team was surprised that he had fallen to them, believing Biotti to be the best defenceman available and expressing confidence he would be a star in the NHL.Duhatschek Eric Rave notices accompany chosen Flame Calgary Herald 1985-06-16 E1 Their predictions ultimately proved unfounded. After spending two seasons at Harvard University, Biotti played three seasons for their minor league team in Salt Lake and another two in Europe before retiring. He never appeared in a National Hockey League game.http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=394 Chris Biotti statistics The Internet Hockey Database 2010-06-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703025456/http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=394 3 July 2010 live With the second round pick acquired from Minnesota in the Nilsson trade, Calgary selected East Coast Athletic Conference rookie of the year Joe Nieuwendyk from Cornell University. Labeled "Joe who?" by media and fans unsure of his potential,Simmons Steve That question no longer is 'Joe who?' Calgary Herald 1985-12-30 C1 Nieuwendyk ultimately had the longest NHL career of any Flames' selection in this draft. He appeared in 1,257 games, scoring 1,126 points and won the Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989, the Dallas Stars in 1999 and the New Jersey Devils in 2003, in addition to a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11194 Joe Nieuwendyk player profile Hockey Hall of Fame 2010-06-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20100523175950/http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11194 23 May 2010 live He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370270 Belfour, Gilmour, Nieuwendyk, Howe elected to the Hall of Fame The Sports Network 2011-06-28 2011-10-29 2011-07-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20110701102057/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370270 live RndPickPlayerNationalityPositionTeam (league)NHL statisticsGPGAPtsPIM117Chris BiottiUnited StatesDBelmont Hill (USHS-Mass) 227Joe NieuwendykCanadaCCornell University (ECAC)12575645621126677238Jeff WenaasCanadaCMedicine Hat Tigers (WHL) 359Lane MacDonaldUnited StatesLWHarvard University (ECAC) 480Roger JohanssonSwedenDIF Troja-Ljungby (Sweden)161934431635101Esa KeskinenCTPS (SM-liiga) 6122Tim SweeneyUnited StatesLWWeymouth-North (USHS-Mass)29155831381237143Stu GrimsonCanadaLWRegina Pats (WHL)72917223921138164Nate SmithUnited StatesDN/A 9185Darryl OlsenCanadaDSt. Albert Saints (AJHL)1000010206Peter RombergDECD Iserlohn (W. Germany) 11227Alexander KozhevnikovFSpartak Moscow (USSR) 12248Bill GregoireCanadaDVictoria Cougars (WHL) References General Player stats: 2009–10 Calgary Flames Media Guide Calgary Flames Hockey Club Hanlon, Peter Kelso, Sean 160 Game log: 2009–10 Calgary Flames Media Guide Calgary Flames Hockey Club Hanlon, Peter Kelso, Sean 175 Team standings: 1985–86 NHL standings at The Internet Hockey Database Duhatschek Eric Simmons Steve On Fire: The Dramatic Rise of the Calgary Flames 1986 Polestar Book Publishers 0-919591-15-9 Mummery Bob Countdown to the Stanley Cup: An Illustrated History of the Calgary Flames 1989 Polestar Book Publishers 0-919591-48-5 Sandor Steven The Battle of Alberta: A Century of Hockey's Greatest Rivalry 2005 1-894974-01-8 Footnotes External links Steve Smith's own-goal on YouTube Category:Calgary Flames seasons Calgary Flames season, 1985-86 Calgary Flames season, 1985-86 Category:Western Conference (NHL) championship seasons Calg Calgary Flames Calgary Flames Category:1980s in Calgary