Every time these teams meet, the game means that much more. Take a look at the top five current rivalries in the NHL.
1. Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
Two Original Six hockey clubs that haven’t seen eye-to-eye in a very long time, the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins look forward to every meeting. The current rivalry was escalated in the second round of last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs following an intense seven-game series. After the Canadiens 3-1 victory in Game 7, Bruins forward Milan Lucic exchanged pleasantries with Dale Weise and Alexei Emelin. That tension has boiled over into this season, making every matchup one to look forward to. On Thursday, Weise got a little payback by converting on a penalty shot.
2. San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings
These two Californian franchises just don’t like each other. Every time these two meet in either the regular season or playoffs, it’s hard-hitting hockey. Last year’s playoff series was perhaps the most heated this rivalry has ever been. After Game 3, with the Sharks holding a commanding 3-0 series lead, Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick was seen going over to the San Jose bench and jawing at Sharks players. People around the hockey community, including Don Cherry, called that the turning point of the series. Soon enough, the Kings were celebrating a Game 7 win and the Sharks had a long summer ahead.
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3. Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
Much like the Canadiens-Bruins rivalry, this Original Six battle goes back decades. Since the Phil Kessel trade on Sept. 18, 2009, the transaction is always a focal point when these teams meet. Fans in both cities get excited for every matchup. Watch out if you’re wearing your team colours in the opposing team’s city. Chirps are bound to fly your way. Thank you, Kessel.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs Philadelphia Flyers
Don’t get on Sidney Crosby’s bad side. The Philadelphia Flyers have found this out over the past few years in the playoffs, making for some interesting Pennsylvanian hockey. The fight between Crosby and Flyers superstar Claude Giroux in the 2012 post-season has been a talking point for the past two seasons. Fans across the state are treated to playoff style hockey between the two clubs even in the regular season. But, according to former Penguin James Neal, the chippy Flyers have gotten into the heads of the Penguins players.
5. Los Angeles Kings vs Chicago Blackhawks
The current NHL dynasties at their finest. In every matchup these two teams are both trying to prove they are the best in the league. For the past two seasons, the Kings and Blackhawks have faced each other in the Western Conference final. Fans across the NHL are treated to not only fast-paced hockey, but some extremely talented players. With the likes of Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane for Chicago going against Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Marian Gaborik, there’s no shortage of nice goals and big hits. The race for the dynasty is on.
