Best Hockey Rivalries Of All Time
Hockey is a sport that has been around for more than a century, and over the years, it has developed a number of intense rivalries that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. These rivalries often bring out the best in both teams and can result in some of the most exciting games in the sport's history. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best hockey rivalries of all time.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
Perhaps the most storied rivalry in all of hockey is that between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. These two Original Six teams have been facing off against each other since 1924 and have played more than 900 games against each other. The rivalry has been fueled by the fact that the Canadiens have won more Stanley Cups than any other team in the league, while the Bruins are known for their physical style of play.
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry occurred during the 1979 playoffs when Bruins defenseman Mike Milbury went into the stands to fight a fan who had grabbed his teammate's stick. The game was later dubbed the "Good Friday Massacre" and fueled the rivalry for years to come.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
The rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche began in the 1990s and was fueled by some of the most talented players in the league. The Red Wings, led by Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov, were known for their skill and finesse, while the Avalanche, led by Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg, were known for their physical play.
The rivalry reached its peak during the 1996 playoffs when Avalanche player Claude Lemieux hit the Red Wings' Kris Draper from behind, causing a severe facial injury. The incident resulted in a bench-clearing brawl and fueled the rivalry for years to come.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators is one of the oldest in the NHL, dating back to the early 1900s. The two Canadian teams have faced off against each other more than 400 times and have a history of intense, physical games.
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry occurred in 2002 when Maple Leafs player Darcy Tucker hit Senators player Michael Peca from behind, causing a severe knee injury. The hit led to a bench-clearing brawl and fueled the rivalry for years to come.
New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders is one of the oldest in the NHL, dating back to the early 1970s. The two teams share a home arena, which only adds to the intensity of the rivalry.
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry occurred in 1975 when Rangers player Dave Maloney hit Islanders player J.P. Parise from behind, causing a severe facial injury. The hit led to a bench-clearing brawl and fueled the rivalry for years to come.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers is one of the most intense in the NHL. The two teams are located only a few hours apart and have a history of intense, physical games.
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry occurred in 2012 when Flyers player Brayden Schenn hit Penguins player Paul Martin from behind, causing a severe injury. The incident led to a bench-clearing brawl and fueled the rivalry for years to come.
Conclusion
There are many intense rivalries in the world of hockey, and each has its own unique history and moments that have fueled the fire. Whether it's the physical play of the Bruins and Canadiens or the skill and finesse of the Red Wings and Avalanche, these rivalries have kept fans on the edge of their seats for generations.
