Top 5 Rivalries

Tomorrow’s first game of the year between Montreal and Boston got me thinking about some of the better rivalries around the league. This isn’t necessarily an ‘all-time’ list, as recent history has a little more input in this. Here’s a look at the top five rivalries in the NHL…

1. Montreal vs. Boston
All-time series: 334-256-103 Canadiens (Reg. Season), 99-64 Canadiens (Playoffs)
This is a no-brainer if you ask me. The Habs-B’s rivalry is on another level compared to the others. A lot of people go as far as saying it’s the equivalent of Yankees-Red Sox. These two have played each other over 800 games if you count the postseason, the most in the league. It seems like they play each other every year in the playoffs. I’ll never forget Game 6 of the 2008 playoffs, when the Bruins won a back-and-forth thriller to knot the series. The intensity can’t be matched, and the games rarely disappoint. This Original Six matchup is must-see-TV every time they go at it.

2. Montreal vs. Toronto
All-time series: 328-275-88 Canadiens (Reg. Season), 42-29 Canadiens (Playoffs)
Like Habs-B’s, this rivalry is rich in history. This may be the fiercest rivalry off the ice with the media spotlight and the intensity between fan bases. Mike Komisarek switching sides this summer certainly helps that. One of the more memorable games between these two was in 2007. Both teams were vying for the 8th seed in the East, and played each other in the last game of the year. Toronto won that barnburner 6-5, but failed to make the playoffs (thanks to the Islanders). It’s not on the same level as Montreal/Boston, but it still holds a mystique that others can’t match.

3. Detroit vs. Chicago
All-time series: 356-256-84 (Reg. Season)
Wings-Hawks is easily the biggest rivalry in the Western Conference. It lost its touch earlier this decade, but Chicago’s resurgence has helped this rivalry immensely. It is back and stronger than ever. The two met in last year’s conference finals, with Detroit winning in five games. They also played at Wrigley Field for the Winter Classic. Over the next few years, they’ll surely meet in the playoffs again. When you think of the history of this rivalry, you can’t help but to think of Hall-of-Famers Gordie Howe, Stan Mikita, Ted Lindsey, and Bobby Hull. Some say it’s the best rivalry in the league… I disagree, but it’s still really good.

4. Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
All-time series: 132-80-30 Flyers (Reg. Season), 15-14 Flyers (Playoffs)
Pens/Flyers has risen to new heights over the last couple of years. Keystone State bragging rights are on the line in every meeting, and the two fan bases hate each other. Flyers fans hate Crosby… Pens fans despise Richards. They’ve met in the last two postseasons, with Pittsburgh coming out on top each time. But every time they lace ‘em up, it’s a battle on the ice. The intensity this rivalry carries is almost as good as any other.

5. Calgary vs. Edmonton
All-time series: 93-81-22 Flames (Reg. Season)
The Battle of Alberta is still one of the best rivalries in the league, even though it’s tapered off since the ‘80s. Back then, the two would play regularly in the playoffs (4 times in a 6-year span). Either the Flames or Oilers won the Cup in 6 of 7 seasons between 1984 and 1990. It has been reignited a bit by recent Cup runs by both teams. My favorite moment from this rivalry is when Craig MacTavish pulled out Harry the Hound’s tongue (Flames mascot) in Calgary during the game. I still laugh about that to this day. In all seriousness, Flames/Oilers ranks up there when you’re talking about rivalries in the NHL… and you can credit the ‘80s for that!

Honorable Mention:
Toronto vs. Ottawa
NY Rangers vs. New Jersey
Detroit vs. Colorado
Calgary vs. Vancouver
San Jose vs. Anaheim

New school rivalry:
Pittsburgh vs. Washington… Ovechkin and Crosby have made Caps/Pens one of the hottest rivalries in the game today.

Old school rivalry:
Montreal vs. Quebec… All of us miss the gool ol’ days of Nords/Habs!