National Hockey League rivalries facts for kids

The National Hockey League (NHL) is home to many exciting rivalries between teams. These are like super intense competitions where two teams really want to win against each other. Rivalries can start for many reasons. Sometimes, teams are from the same city or close by. Other times, players might know each other well, or games can get very physical. Even cultural reasons or national pride can spark a rivalry!

NHL Rivalries: When Teams Clash!

Hockey rivalries are a big part of what makes the game so thrilling. They add extra excitement for both players and fans. When two rival teams play, the energy in the arena is usually much higher. These games are often remembered for a long time.

Why Do Rivalries Start?

Rivalries don't just happen by accident. They usually grow over time because of certain things. Understanding these reasons helps us see why some games are more intense than others.

Close Neighbors

One of the most common reasons for a rivalry is when teams are located very close to each other. Think about two schools in the same town. They often have a big rivalry in sports, right? It's similar in the NHL. When teams are neighbors, their fans often live near each other too. This makes the competition even more personal. For example, the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders are both from New York. Their games are always a big deal because of this close connection.

Playoff Battles

Sometimes, rivalries grow because two teams keep meeting in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The playoffs are when teams play to win the championship. If the same two teams face off year after year, especially in tough, close series, a rivalry can quickly form. These games are high-stakes, and losing can be very disappointing. This creates a strong desire to win the next time they play.

Intense Games and History

Some rivalries are born from very physical or memorable games. If a game has a lot of big hits, fights, or dramatic finishes, it can create bad blood between teams. Over time, these moments build up a history of intense competition. Fans and players remember these games, making future matchups even more exciting. The longer a rivalry lasts, the deeper its roots become.

Cultural Connections

In some cases, rivalries can have cultural or national pride elements. For instance, teams from different countries or regions might develop a rivalry. This adds another layer of meaning to the games. It's not just about hockey; it's also about bragging rights for a whole community or nation.

Images for kids

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  The Sabres and Maple Leafs warming up prior to a pre-season exhibition game, September 2007

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  Players line up prior to Game 6 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Bruins and Canadiens at then-TD Banknorth Garden

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  The 2014 NHL Winter Classic prior to puck drop. The outdoor game featured the Red Wings and Maple Leafs.

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  Skaters from the Canadiens and Senators prepare to face off during a pre-season exhibition game, September 2016

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  A game between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs in March 1938

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  Rangers forward Sean Avery attempting to screen Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur during Game 3 of the 2008 playoffs

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  Skaters from the Rangers and Flyers prepare to face off during a game, January 2007

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  An altercation between the Penguins and the Capitals during Game 1 of the 2009 playoffs

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  Shawn Thornton of the Bruins and Dan Carcillo of the Flyers fight during the 2010 NHL Winter Classic

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  A game between the Blackhawks and Wild in October 2013

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  A game between the Ducks and Sharks, April 2006

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  An altercation between the Ducks and Kings, April 2008

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  Sharks captain Patrick Marleau skates with the puck as he is pursued by Kings' winger Michael Cammalleri

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  The Sharks and Golden Knights prepare to take a face off, March 2018

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  An exhibit at the International Hockey Hall of Fame with the jerseys worn by the Kings and Seals during their inaugural 1967–68 season

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  The Blackhawk and Red Wings warming up prior to a game in October 2010

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  An altercation between the Blackhawks and Canucks during Game 5 of the 2011 Stanley Cup quarterfinals

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  Sweater worn by the Montreal All-Stars at the Howie Morenz Memorial Game in 1937. Players for the Montreal All-Stars were drawn from the two Montreal-based clubs, the Maroons and Canadiens.