Hockey fans know that rivalries run deep between teams, even when they are in the same province! Nothing inspires more feelings of competitiveness and passion than a generations-old rivalry between teams and their fan bases.
Though sometimes emotions can get heated and run a little high, a hockey rivalry is exciting, fun, and incredibly rewarding when your favourite side wins. What could be better than a night of friends, good food, and going through the emotional roller coaster of watching your favourite team battle their rival?
This article is all about exploring and enjoying the biggest hockey rivalries in Canada. Whether your new to hockey or a lifelong fan, you will be sure to be drawn into some of the greatest showdowns in sports!
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Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators, also known as the "Battle of Ontario," is one that is deeply intense. The rivalry started in the 1990s when the Senators entered the NHL: the geographical proximity between both teams and their fans instantly produced strong feelings of competitiveness.
Toronto, a wealthier team from a bigger city that could afford more top tier players, drew the ire of Ottawa fans whose much newer franchise lacked the deep pockets of the Leafs.
Frequent playoff meetings between the two teams added fuel to the fire in the early 2000s. The Leafs eliminated the Senators 4 times in the playoffs between 2000-2004 - this sequence of events resulted in even more animosity between the two franchises.
In one 2002 match, emotions flared high when Leaf Darcy Tucker attacked Senator Chris Neil on the bench. A brawl ensued, resulting in penalties for the players that took part in the incident. In the same game, Toronto's Tie Domi sparred with Ottawa's Magnus Arvedson. Domi received a number of penalties, though Arvedson had thrown the first blow.
The rivalry continues - though few matchups are as memorable as those from the early aughts.
Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are also counted among the most famous Canadian hockey teams, known for their passionate fanbases and unforgettable playoff runs.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
The rivalry between the Oilers and Flames, also known as the "Battle of Alberta", is NHL matchup that is memorable because of the culture clash between Edmonton and Calgary. The regional tension between both cities has been palpable for over a century, involving everything from sports to politics to industry.
The Oilers vs. Flames rivalry took root in the 1980s during the era of the "Great One," Wayne Gretzky. A young powerhouse of a player, Gretzky led the Oilers to multiple Stanley Cups where the Flames became their most formidable opponent. When both teams were among the league's best in the second half of the 1980s, the rivalry was particularly bitter.
The Oilers and Flames have met in five playoff series. In 1986 playoffs, Calgary emerged with a sweet victory, when rookie Oilers defenceman Steve Smith scored a disastrous own goal in game 7.
In more recent years, the rivalry has been revived. A game on January 11, 2020 ignited a feud between Calgary's Matthew Tkachuk and Edmonton's Zack Kassian. Kassian felt he had received "predatory" hits from Tkachuk, resulting in an attempted fight from Kassian where Tkachuk did not fight back. Kassian was penalized. A full line brawl erupted in the following game nearly a month later, involving even the two goalies.
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Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
Considered one of the greatest rivalries in sport, the Canadiens vs. Bruins rivalry is one for the ages. The two teams have played each other over 900 times - more than any other two teams in NHL history. In the playoffs, Montreal and Boston have met 34 times.
The rivalry has existed since the start of the NHL, as two of the oldest teams in in the league. One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry occurred in 1955, involving Maurice Richard in one of the most violent incidents in hockey. Richard was left with 12 stitches from a cut from a high sticking from Bruin Hal Laycoe. In the fighting that ensued, Richard knocked a linesman unconscious.
The Boston police attempted to arrest Richard, but were blocked by his Montreal teammates. The suspension eventually resulted in major riots in Montreal and the Canadiens losing their opportunity to hold first place in the league.
The Montreal vs. Boston rivalry continues decades later, with both teams experiencing various highs and lows. While Montreal has currently won 470 games compared to Boston's 353, the competition between the teams is always exciting to behold as a hockey fan.
Major events in the history of hockey in Canada, like the establishment of the NHL in 1917, helped make the sport internationally renowned.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Rivalry
The rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs is one of the oldest and most iconic. Rooted not only in athletic competition, the battle between the two teams is arguably cultural: two of Canada's major cities representing each of the nation's English and French speaking communities.
Both teams also happen to be part of the original 6 NHL teams. The Leafs and "Habs" have faced off in over 800 games, 16 playoffs, and 5 Stanley Cup finals. While the rivalry has waned with the teams now playing in separate divisions, a Toronto-Montreal matchup is a game few Canadian hockey fans would miss.
Perhaps the most critical moment in the rivalry was the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals during the Canada's centennial year. Because Montreal was hosting the World Expo, an exhibit space had been prepared for the Stanley Cup - which the Canadiens were favoured to win. Much to the chagrin of the Quebecois, Toronto won the cup and the trophy went to Ontario instead.
What Makes a Sports Rivalry?
You may be wondering - how does a hockey rivalry even come into being?
A sports rivalry evolves through a variety of factors: history, culture, and geographical proximity. A strong rivalry involves intense emotions and animosity between players and fans. Let's explore the key factors.
A team rivalry may have roots that go years back, such as the one between the Bruins and Canadiens. Playoff reels and sports countdowns will capture those key moments of sports history, ensuring that the next generation can enjoy the previous games played by icons of the game, like Maurice Richard or Wayne Gretzky.
When teams meet frequently over time, especially in situations like the Stanley Cup playoffs, rivalries become more heated because there is something major on the line.
Team rivalries can often reflect the cultural differences of the communities they represent. Every game can feel like a competition or conflict between between the identities, languages, aesthetics, or even values of those communities. For example, matchups between the Leafs and Canadiens can feel symbolic of the tension between English and French Canada.
The physical locations of teams - particularly when they are located close by - creates a rivalry because of the competition that organically flares between neighbouring cities, regions, or even neighbourhoods. The rivalry between Toronto and Ottawa shows how two NHL teams within the same province can be fueled by civic pride.
Final Thoughts
The greatest rivalries in Canadian hockey involve legends of the sport and some of the best sports moments of all time. More than just a league or playoff games, rival matchups are also fueled by historical, geographical, and cultural contexts.
Rivalries help to make sports like hockey more captivating. They spark high emotions in the fans and athletes, and push teams to perform at their best. What is your favourite hockey rivalry?
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