Over more than a century, the National Hockey League has been the setting for exciting games that have not only shaped the teams’ identities but also sparked the passion of countless fans.
The league’s most famous rivalries have gone beyond just hockey, turning into stories of pride, determination, and the endless fight for dominance.
From the first game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs to the fierce competition in western Canada today, every matchup has created unforgettable moments that have impacted the course of seasons.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs is one of the oldest and most well-known in NHL history, rooted in the competition between the two largest cities in Canada.
The Canadiens, based in Montreal, are known as the most successful team in league history, having won 24 Stanley Cups, while the Maple Leafs, with 13 titles, are among the most popular and energetic teams in Canadian culture.
The first game between the two teams was in 1917, when the Canadiens were one of the founding teams of the NHL.
Since then, Montreal and Toronto have been seen as the hockey capitals of Canada, fueling a fierce rivalry between their teams. These games carry extra meaning, not just as sports contests but as matters of regional and cultural pride.
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
The rivalry between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens has been going on for decades, with fierce competition starting in the 1920s. A key moment in this rivalry came in 1951 when the Bruins, after years of missing the playoffs, began challenging the Canadiens more strongly.
The teams have met in intense Stanley Cup finals over the years, including in 1979 when the Canadiens won their last Stanley Cup by defeating the Bruins.
Even though the teams come from different cities and countries, the rivalry goes beyond borders, driven by physical play and the stories of legendary players like Bobby Orr and Guy Lafleur.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings
The rivalry between the Blackhawks and the Red Wings is known for its intensity and long history, starting even before the NHL.
These teams were part of the original league, and the rivalry grew stronger when Detroit and Chicago became major contenders in the Western Division and the same Conference during the 1950s and 1960s.
A key period was during the 1990s and 2000s when the Blackhawks began to rise after years of mediocrity, while the Red Wings were dominant, pushing this rivalry to new heights.
The games between these teams have been known for their aggressive play and their close geographical location, creating excitement among their fans.
New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils is considered one of the most heated in recent years, growing over the past few decades due to the teams’ close location.
While the Rangers were founded in 1926, the Devils came along later, in 1974, and quickly became one of the best teams of the 1990s.
The rivalry began to take shape in the 1994 playoffs when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup and the Devils were rising as a strong team.
Through the 1990s and early 2000s, the teams regularly faced off in playoff series, with the intensity of their matchups clear to see. Both teams became symbols of the New York region, making the rivalry even stronger.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The rivalry between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins is one of the most intense in the NHL, with a history full of competitive games. The rivalry is fueled by the close location of the two cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, which have a long history of rivalry in other sports as well.
This rivalry peaked in the late 1980s and early 2000s when the Flyers and Penguins were regular playoff contenders, often facing off in thrilling matches.
The rivalry is fueled not only by the competition on the ice but also by their contrasting playing styles: the Flyers are known for their physical, aggressive play, while the Penguins focus more on skill and finesse.
Tyson Foerster of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Wells Fargo CenterEdmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
The “Battle of Alberta” is one of the NHL’s most intense rivalries, based on the competition between two teams from the same province in Canada: Edmonton and Calgary. The rivalry began in the 1980s when both teams were strong contenders in the league.
The Oilers, led by legends like Wayne Gretzky, ruled the league, while the Flames were also competitive, leading to many intense matchups, especially in the playoffs.
The rivalry reached a peak in 1986 when the Flames beat the Oilers in a historic playoff series. Since then, the two teams have been known for their passionate games, often filled with tough play, strong moments, and even fights between players.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks
While the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks are newer teams in the NHL, their rivalry grew quickly due to the close location of Los Angeles and Anaheim, both in California.
The rivalry began to heat up after the Ducks were founded in 1993, and the two teams found themselves competing for control of the Southern California hockey scene.
The rivalry reached a high in 2007 when the Ducks won the Stanley Cup, while the Kings were still trying to establish themselves. However, the Kings eventually won the Cup in 2012, shifting the rivalry dynamic.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins
The rivalry between the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins is particularly defined by the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. Though both teams have their own histories, their matchup in that final became one of the most intense in recent NHL history.
The series was full of dramatic moments and intense fights, including clashes between star players like Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas.
This rivalry has lasted beyond 2011, with strong feelings between the teams’ fans, especially because of how the Stanley Cup series ended.
Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The rivalry between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins has mostly grown out of their many playoff meetings, with numerous exciting matchups between two of the most powerful teams in the Eastern Conference.
This rivalry is especially marked by the competition between two of the best players in NHL history: Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.
Over the years, these two players have been the faces of their teams, and each game between the Capitals and Penguins has been a chance to watch them battle head-to-head for supremacy in the conference.
Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
The rivalry between the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche started in the 2000s. While the Wild joined the NHL in 2000, their location close to the Avalanche, along with the Avalanche’s success in the 1990s, led to a competitive rivalry.
This rivalry was further fueled by several heated playoff series, where both teams competed for control of the Northwest Division. The rivalry is still strong today, with games that continue to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
