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Rivalries… Backbone of the NHL (Pt.3)

Written by: admin on 2nd October 2009

Rivalries... Backbone of the NHL (Pt.3) | read this item

It may not be Christmas yet, but it feels like it. Let the jawing begin…this season is going to be full of some beauties. The hatred that exists between certain teams and players is the kind of feeling you’d experience if your best friend started dating your ex-girlfriend. Ouch! The anticipation is enormous because every time rivals meet there’s sure to be fireworks. As we countdown the days to the light show, I countdown my top 5 rivalries that are bound to make some noise.

5. Pittsburgh Penguins/ Philadelphia Flyers

These two clubs have a rich 42 year history with blood, concussions and missing teeth written all over it. The rivalry is a full fledged war, following two years of playoff matchups. Last year, the Flyers had a deciding game 7 in their grasp but they sat back and let it get away. They were a better team then Pittsburgh in so many ways. It was Pittsburgh’s goalie Marc-Andre Fleury who came through with some miracle saves. The Flyers look better on paper this time around but will it translate onto the ice? And will the third time be the charm? Both teams are loaded with young stars, which means this one will be around to enjoy for the next 10 years.

4. Boston Bruins/ Montreal Canadiens

No two teams in the history of the NHL have faced off against each other more often than the Bruins and the Habs. The clubs have squared off over 600 times. This year, the bad blood continues to flow. Last season, Montreal was swept in the first round by Boston but after a massive off-season overhaul the Habs are looking better than Jessica Simpson in a string bikini. The true test will be how the smaller, non-gritty players of the Canadiens go up against the big bad Bruins.

3. Chicago Blackhawks/ Detroit Red Wings

Year after year the Red Wings managed to sweep up the wins in the Central Division largely because they’ve always landed the league’s most talented players. Last year guided by young talent in Patrick Kane and team captain Jonathan Toews the Hawks were able to compete with an elite Detroit team. Before last season the United Centre would only have guaranteed sellouts when the Wings came to town. Their fans would fill the place, confident of a victory. After a legitimate 2008-2009 playoff run the Hawks have brought hockey back to life in Chicago. Let’s just say Wings fans won’t be as plentiful at the United centre. This year the Blackhawks will thrive off the hate for their arch rivals.

2. Montreal Canadiens/ Toronto Maple Leafs

It may not be the rivalry that was witnessed in the 1960’s but the Habs-Leafs rivalry is far from dead. It continues to fume and can ignite at any time. Both teams have undergone face lifts. Toronto’s new found grit rings punishment for the undersized Canadiens. Nerves were struck in Montreal when the Maple Leafs signed Mike Komisarek. Since the lock-out, you haven’t been able to find a ticket to Habs-Leafs games. For some reason when they play, no matter how bad one may be, each team brings out the best in each other. These teams and their fans love to hate each other that makes for some great hockey.

1. The Alexander Ovechkin & Sidney Crosby Show

Last season, Alexander Ovechkin was well on his way to winning his first Stanley Cup. That was until game 7 when Sidney Crosby pulled the red carpet right out from under him. You can sure bet those wounds haven’t healed. They both entered the NHL in the 2005-06 season and ever since then they’ve been trying to one up each other. The leagues two biggest superstars styles couldn’t clash more. Ovechkin is tired of Crosby’s constant yapping, and Crosby despises Ovechkin’s theatrics. These two will likely meet in the playoffs again. Ovechkin will seek revenge but maybe in the meantime he should invest in some duct tape.

For OpenIceHockey.com, I’m Ashley Mabee

Topics: Alexander Ovechkin, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, NHL Rivalries, NHL Rivalries 2009-10, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Toronto Maple Leafs