1990 Presidents' Trophy

Lore & Background

The Flames won their first Presidents' Trophy in 1987–88, earning the NHL's best regular-season record. They captured their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy in 1988–89 with a franchise-record 117 points. In 1989–90, the team fell two points shy of their third-straight Presidents' Trophy with 99 points.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Olympic Saddledome is thick with anticipation as the final seconds of the regular season tick away. The scoreboard glows red: Calgary leads the league in points. Lanny McDonald raises his stick to the roaring crowd, the weight of the trophy already felt in spirit if not yet in hand. It is a moment of quiet triumph amidst the chaos, knowing that while the playoffs loom ahead, this regular-season supremacy belongs entirely to them.

Reader's Guide

The franchise leader in games played, goals, and points is Jarome Iginla. Miikka Kiprusoff has the most wins by a goaltender in a Calgary Flames uniform. 17 people associated with the Flames have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Did You Know?

• The Flames won their first and only Stanley Cup in 1989.
• The team's unexpected run to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final gave rise to the Red Mile.
• The Flames have won two Presidents' Trophies and eight division championships.

Franchise Origins and Relocation

The Calgary Flames trace their lineage back to an expansion era effort in December 1971, where the NHL granted a franchise to Atlanta to counter competition from the World Hockey Association. Originally named after General William Tecumseh Sherman's burning of the city during the Civil War, the team struggled in the South, winning only two playoff games over eight seasons despite reaching the postseason frequently. Facing bankruptcy, owner Tom Cousins sold the franchise in 1980 to Canadian entrepreneur Nelson Skalbania, who relocated the club to Calgary. Skalbania believed the fiery name suited an oil town and modified the logo from a flaming 'A' to a flaming 'C'. The team was immediately embraced by Alberta fans, selling thousands of season tickets before their first game at the Stampede Corral. This move established them as the city's third major professional hockey team, following the Tigers and Cowboys, and set the stage for their future rivalry with Edmonton.

The Battle of Alberta and Playoff Hurdles

Upon arriving in Calgary, the Flames quickly became entangled in a fierce provincial rivalry known as the 'Battle of Alberta' against the dominant Edmonton Oilers. The NHL's playoff structure during the mid-1980s frequently forced these two teams to face each other early in the postseason, often preventing the Flames from advancing deep into the tournament despite their regular-season success. From 1983 through 1990, one of these Alberta franchises consistently represented the Campbell Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. While the Oilers enjoyed significant championship success during this era, the Flames fought hard to overcome them, including a dramatic seven-game upset in 1986 where an errant clearing attempt by Steve Smith ricocheted off Grant Fuhr's leg into his own net. This specific victory allowed Calgary to reach their first Stanley Cup Final, though they ultimately fell short against Montreal.

Dominance of the Late Eighties

The late 1980s marked a period of unprecedented regular-season dominance for the franchise, highlighted by two consecutive Presidents' Trophy victories. Under head coach Terry Crisp in 1987-88, the team achieved its first 100-point season, securing the league's best record and earning Joe Nieuwendyk the Calder Memorial Trophy as a rookie who scored 50 goals. The following year, 1988-89, saw the Flames set a franchise-record with 117 points to claim their second straight Presidents' Trophy. This era was defined by aggressive roster management from general manager Cliff Fletcher, including high-profile trades for stars like Doug Gilmour and goaltender Mike Vernon. Although the team faced tragedy with the death of draft pick George Pelawa in 1986, the on-ice performance remained elite, culminating in a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final where they finally captured the championship title.

Legacy and Hall of Fame Inductions

The Flames' history is deeply rooted in individual excellence and lasting contributions to hockey culture. The franchise boasts seventeen individuals associated with the team who have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, underscoring their impact on the sport's elite level. Jarome Iginla stands as the all-time leader for games played, goals, and points, having also won the Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy twice as the league's top goal scorer. In net, Miikka Kiprusoff holds the record for most wins in a Flames uniform. Beyond individual stats, the team has secured eight division championships and two Presidents' Trophies, cementing their status as one of Alberta's two NHL powerhouses alongside Edmonton. Their legacy includes historic moments like hosting the Heritage Classic and the emotional 'Red Mile' run to the 2004 Final, proving that despite early struggles in Atlanta, the franchise became a cornerstone of Canadian hockey.