Hockey Rivalries That Defined Eras: Classic Matchups Revisited

14 February 2025

Hockey isn't just a game of speed, skill, and finesse; it's also a game rich in history, tradition, and, oh yes, rivalries. Rivalries that have defined eras, created legends, and given fans moments they’ll never forget. There's something about two teams that just don't like each other, right? That tension, that extra layer of intensity, brings out the best—and sometimes the worst—in players. It’s the stuff that keeps fans glued to their seats, and it’s what turns a regular-season game into must-watch TV.

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the most iconic hockey rivalries. We’ll revisit matchups that have set the hockey world ablaze, the rivalries that shaped the sport, and the ones that continue to fuel the fire today. Get ready, because we’re about to lace up and hit the ice to explore some unforgettable hockey battles.

1. Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: The Original Six Showdown

If you think about hockey rivalries, this one is almost always at the top of the list. Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. It's like peanut butter and jelly, except with way more body checks and broken sticks. These two teams have been battling it out since the league's inception, and their rivalry is as old as the sport itself.

The History

The Canadiens and Maple Leafs were both part of the NHL's “Original Six,” which means their rivalry dates back to a time when the league was small and games between these teams were as personal as they come. This rivalry isn't just about the two cities; it’s about the cultures, the languages, and the pride of being the best in Canada. Think of it as the hockey version of a family feud that just never cools down.

Memorable Moments

One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry came during the 1967 Stanley Cup Final. The Maple Leafs shocked the hockey world by defeating the heavily favored Canadiens in six games, winning their last Cup to date. That victory still stings for Montreal fans, and it’s a sore spot that only deepened the animosity between the two franchises.

Fast forward to today, and while both teams have had their ups and downs, every time they face off, it feels like the stakes are higher. Whether it’s a Saturday night clash on Hockey Night in Canada or a random Tuesday game, you can feel the tension in the air.

2. Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens: The Battle of the Titans

Montreal comes up again, but this time, it’s their rivalry with the Boston Bruins that takes center stage. This one is fiery—like, really fiery. If you’ve ever watched a Canadiens vs. Bruins game, you know there’s no love lost between these two teams.

The History

This rivalry goes back almost a century, with the first meeting between these two teams happening in 1924. Since then, they’ve faced each other in the playoffs a whopping 34 times—the most of any two teams in NHL history. You can bet that kind of history builds up a lot of bad blood.

Memorable Moments

One of the most infamous moments in this rivalry occurred in 1979 during the Stanley Cup semifinals. Who can forget the "Too Many Men on the Ice" penalty that cost the Bruins the series? The Canadiens went on to win the game in overtime and eventually the Stanley Cup, leaving Boston fans with a bitter taste.

But it’s not just the past that makes this rivalry special. Even in the modern era, players like Zdeno Chara and P.K. Subban have kept the rivalry alive with their fierce play. Whether it’s big hits, fights, or jaw-dropping goals, every time these two teams meet, you know something is going to go down.

3. Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche: The Blood Feud of the 90s

If you were a hockey fan in the late 90s, you probably remember the absolute war between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. This rivalry wasn’t just about hockey; it was personal, and it was brutal. They didn’t just dislike each other—they hated each other.

The History

The rivalry began in the 1996 Western Conference Finals, when the Avalanche defeated the Red Wings en route to winning their first Stanley Cup. But things didn’t really heat up until the following year, during a regular-season game in March 1997. Claude Lemieux of the Avalanche delivered a vicious hit on Kris Draper of the Red Wings, smashing his face into the boards. Draper suffered a broken jaw, cheekbone, and orbital bone, and the bad blood was officially born.

Memorable Moments

The following year, on March 26, 1997, the infamous "Brawl in Hockeytown" took place. The game featured multiple fights, including a goaltender fight between Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon, and lasting images of Darren McCarty pummeling Claude Lemieux. The Red Wings won that game in overtime, and it was a turning point for the franchise as they went on to win the Stanley Cup that year.

This rivalry defined hockey in the late 90s. Anytime these two teams played, you knew it was appointment viewing. The rivalry has cooled off in recent years, but those who witnessed it will never forget it.

4. Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames: The Battle of Alberta

Ah, the Battle of Alberta. This is one of those rivalries that is fueled by geography, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s about pride, bragging rights, and proving who is the best team in the province of Alberta.

The History

The rivalry between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames really took off in the 1980s, during the height of the Oilers' dynasty. Led by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey, the Oilers were one of the most dominant teams in NHL history. But standing in their way were the Calgary Flames, a team that was determined to knock them off their pedestal.

Memorable Moments

One of the most iconic moments in this rivalry came during the 1986 playoffs when Calgary's Steve Smith accidentally scored on his own net, handing the Flames a series-clinching victory. That moment is still talked about today, especially by Flames fans.

The Battle of Alberta is still very much alive today, with games between the Oilers and Flames often turning into high-scoring affairs, complete with big hits and the occasional fight. Whether you’re in Edmonton or Calgary, fans on both sides of this rivalry live and breathe every moment.

5. Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues: The Midwestern Grudge Match

When it comes to Midwest rivalries, few are as intense as the one between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues. These two teams have been going at it for decades, and the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down.

The History

The Blackhawks and Blues have been division rivals for most of their history, meaning they’ve played each other a lot. And when you play another team that often, tempers tend to flare. It doesn’t help that both teams have had periods of dominance, with the Blackhawks winning three Stanley Cups in the 2010s and the Blues finally capturing their first in 2019.

Memorable Moments

One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry came during the 2014 playoffs when the Blackhawks and Blues faced off in a brutal first-round series. Chicago eventually won the series in six games, but every game was a battle, with big hits, overtime goals, and plenty of scrums.

This rivalry is still going strong, and with both teams remaining competitive, there’s no reason to think it won’t continue to be one of the best in the NHL.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals: The Battle of the Superstars

This one is more recent, but it’s no less intense. When you’ve got two of the best players of their generation—Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin—facing off regularly, you know you’re in for something special.

The History

The rivalry between the Penguins and Capitals really took off in the mid-2000s when both Crosby and Ovechkin entered the league. The media hyped up this "Crosby vs. Ovechkin" storyline, and it didn’t take long for the rivalry to catch fire. The two superstars have faced each other in multiple playoff series, and the games between these two teams are always high-stakes affairs.

Memorable Moments

One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry came in the 2009 playoffs when Crosby and Ovechkin both recorded hat tricks in Game 2 of their second-round series. It was a game for the ages, and the Penguins eventually went on to win the series and the Stanley Cup.

Even though both Crosby and Ovechkin are nearing the end of their careers, every time these two teams meet, it feels like a continuation of one of the best player rivalries in NHL history.

Conclusion

Hockey rivalries are what make the sport so special. They add layers of tension, history, and excitement to every game. Whether it’s two historic franchises like Montreal and Toronto, or more recent blood feuds like Detroit and Colorado, these rivalries have shaped the NHL and created unforgettable moments for fans.

You can bet that as long as there’s hockey, there will be rivalries. And as long as there are rivalries, the sport will continue to captivate audiences, generation after generation.