The Philadelphia Flyers were born in 1967 when Ed Snider took a heavy gamble on a sport many Philadelphians had never heard of (check out the history of the “Flyers” and all NHL team names – Eastern Conference and Western Conference). Since then they have had many intense rivalries, some of which stem from their disgraceful play on the ice. This would upset and frankly frighten hockey purists everywhere. These rivalries grew from there:
4. Flyers – Islanders
These two metropolitan rivals have an intense rivalry created from the pure rivalry of cities between New York City and Philadelphia. Here in the Land of Cheesesteaks, we like nothing to do with New Yorkers or their sports teams.
Favorite Game: May 13, 1975. The Flyers would clinch their second ever Stanley Cup appearance when they dismantled the Islanders in this onslaught. Rick MacLeish had a hat trick and cascaded the Flyers to 1975 Stanley Cup Finals.
3. Flyers – Devils or “The Battle of New Jersey”
I know what most of you are thinking; “Why is it called the ‘Battle of New Jersey’ if one team plays in Pennsylvania”. It is called the battle of New Jersey because while North Jersey is dominated by Devils’ fans, South Jersey is overwhelmed with Flyers fans because of its such close proximity to the City of Brotherly Love. This bitter rivalry was also shown in the old games between the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association.
Favorite game: April 22, 2010. The Flyers would knock off the second seeded Devils to start their miraculous Stanley Cup run in this three to zero showing. Claude Giroux would score two and Danny Briere would chip in with another as we beat North Jersey’s pride. The Devils would get their revenge however when they would sweep the Flyers in the 2012 playoffs.
2. Flyers – Rangers or “Broadway vs Broad Street”
The Flyers and Rangers have hated each other since 1967 when the Flyers were established as a National Hockey League franchise. The Rangers and their fans were certainly not pleased as they watched a group of goons from Canada disgrace the elegance of the sport. They didn’t like when Dave Schultz pummeled Dale Rolfe in the 1974 Stanley Cup Finals or when the referees made some questionable calls in the Winter Classic showdown. Don’t even get me started with Eagles-Giants because I’m already sweating just typing.
Favorite Game: April 11, 2010. It all came down to a series with the New York Rangers to end the season. The Rangers were also trying to clinch a playoff spot and needed to win both games to do so. The Flyers lost the first game of that series at the Garden 4–3.This set up a “Win and you’re in” situation for the second game at the Wachovia Center. Matt Carle put a rebound behind Henrik Lundqvist. This tied the game at one. Neither team scored again until the shootout in which a goal by Claude Giroux forced Olli Jokinen to score to keep the Rangers in playoff contention. However, the unexpected hero Brian Boucher made a clutch save which clinched the Flyers playoff hopes.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins or “The Battle of Philadelphia”
Pittsburgh. That word just gives you a nails-on-a-chalkboard feeling. Over here in Southeast Pennsylvania we cringe at the sheer mention of the word. Here’s a list of Public Enemies, Pittsburgh-style, in the City of Brotherly Love:
• Sidney Crosby
• Evgeni Malkin
• Kris Letang
• Marc- Andre Fleury
Favorite Game: There are too many to choose from. Any game where the Flyers beat the Penguins is my favorite. It feels like we own Pennsylvania for a little bit, but they will always come back with the classic “Six Super Bowls” argument.
