[FlamesAddiction]

Coming off the BoA, I was wondering where this rivalry matches up among other rivalries in the NHL.

I personally think the BoA has consistently been the most intense and interesting rivalry, but I know that as a fan, I am not sure if I am being objective. There was a period where both or one of the teams were not competitive and the rivalry was only simmering, but it was always there.

Some rivalries to consider:

NYR vs. NYI

This one is intense in its own right, but it seems to ebb and flow a lot. At times it seems really heated, but at others is seems kind of meh.

Pens vs. Flyers

Similar to the New York rivalry, but probably less intense. Although I sense it never really simmers down either.

Battle of Florida

Somewhat of a newer one. Their geographical placement seemed to force a rivalry that was largely inconsequential over the years, but now that both teams are competitive at the same time, it is heating up. When people call it a "battle", it still seems kind of forced though. I don't think the same hatred is there like in the BoA.

Habs vs. Bruins

It doesn't seem very intense these days, likely because the Habs suck. Historically, it was a doozy though and a lot of hockey lore was born from this rivalry.

Hawks vs. Blues

Is it's hay days, it was a monster rivalry. In the 1990s especially, these two teams hated each other possibly more than any other teams in history. The hate went from the front offices, to the players on the ice, and the fans in the stands. For intensity, it was a 10/10. They met like 6 or 7 times in the playoffs in the 1990s, and had one game where something like 13 players were ejected. Probably loses marks for longevity though because it seemed to fizzle out now.

Habs vs. Nords

Obviously the rivalry no longer exists, but it was a good one back in the day. Even today, Quebec City seems to have a lot of Bruins fans just because they hated Montreal so much.

Flames vs. Canucks

Not as intense as the BoA obviously, but due to being division rivals and several playoff series against each other, it has been and still is a decent rivalry. Not sure where to rank it overall.

Avs vs. Wings

Met in the WC finals 4 times between 1996 and 2000, then again in 2008. They were 2 of the best teams in the league at the time and both won Cups. Their record against each other was 17-17, so it was really even. The rivalry spilled over into the regular season and their games were always intense. Unfortunately, the league killed it when the Wings were sent to the EC. Another one that is a 10/10 for intensity at the time, but fizzled out and I don't think it exists at all any more.

Leafs vs. Sens vs. Habs

These ones seem kind of forced to me. The Sens haven't really developed a natural rivalry with anyone, so they use geography to push it. Pure marketing IMO.

Leafs vs. Habs

I have a hard time judging this one. I think it just boils down to them being the original Canadian teams still operating today and the fact they have fanbases that stretch across the country. Not an overly interesting rivalry IMO, but maybe my western bias is showing here.

Caps vs. Pens

This one seems based on there being 2 really competitive teams, but is more personality based with players. At one time, people argued about who was better between Crosby and Ovechkin, but that doesn't seem to be debated much any more. Crosby seems to be recognized as the better overall player, but Ovechkin as the better pure goal scorer. There is also a rivalry between Malkin and Ovechkin as the two have traded disses in the past. I don't hold this as a very important rivalry, but that is just me. Another one that seems to have been driven more by marketing than anything.

I am sure I am missing some, so help me fill in the gaps.

Just based on my completely non-objective perspective and limited knowledge, my top 5 favourites are:

1. BoA

Best rivalry when you consider intensity and longevity.

2. NYR vs. NYI

Not quite as consistently as intense as the BoA, but extra points for longevity.

3. Avs vs. Wings

The intensity was nuts and the games between them were always consequential and meaningful. The entertainment value was incredible. Unfortunately, they lose points because the rivalry is largely historic now.

4. Hawks vs. Blues

See the comment above.

5. Habs vs. Bruins

Just due to the really long history and even though the intensity has ebbed and flow, the rivalry seems to persist. Plus, the whole Rocket Richard riots started there, which is such a big part of hockey lore. I also love organic rivalries that are dictated less by geography, and more because of the meaningfulness of the games that were played.


Flames specific rivalries:

1. BoA
2. Canucks
3. Anaheim (Duck fans probably don't feel it, could just be in my head)
4. Toronto
5. Montreal