They don’t like each other
NHL reporter Adrian Dater looks at some of the top hockey rivalries over the past 20 years and how the new inter-
division weighted schedule might affect them:
EDMONTON vs. CALGARY
The “Battle of Alberta” was nasty and featured some of the biggest names in hockey history. Two more games between the teams, from six to eight, will add to it. After years of dormancy, both teams are on the upswing.
RANGERS vs. ISLANDERS
In its heyday, in the 1970s and 1980s, this probably was the fiercest rivalry in the league. Neither team has been very good in the past few years, so the rivalry has quieted down. The new weighted schedule could help make it big again, but the teams must improve on the ice.
BRUINS vs. CANADIENS
A great rivalry, especially in the 1970s. A nasty playoff series between the teams in 2004 got it going again, and the weighted schedule should help it along.
RED WINGS vs. BLACKHAWKS
A formerly vicious rivalry has been dormant the past decade because the Blackhawks have been terrible. The weighted schedule, along with the fact Chicago appears to be improving, could ignite emotions.
