Since their debut on the ice in 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks have been a key fixture in NHL rivalry history. Their seasons are defined by legendary goals, epic fights and intense rivalries. These battles have shaped unforgettable Stanley Cup victories and heated gameplay, playing a major role in establishing the Blackhawks’ legacy in the league.
As one of the NHL’s ‘Original Six’ teams, the Blackhawks have developed numerous rivalries, both within and beyond their Central Division. Facing tough opponents like the St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and Minnesota Wild has made each victory crucial. From their ‘Original Six’ matchups to present-day puck drops, the Blackhawks have undergone significant changes and are now in a rebuilding phase. Despite this, these rivalries have shaped various eras and produced nostalgic games. They continue to fuel the passion of both the team and Chicago fans during this period of rebuilding.
Old and New Blackhawks Rivalries
The Past
One notable aspect of the Blackhawks’ history is their elite players and their Stanley Cup win in the 2009-2010 season. This win intensified their rivalry with the Vancouver Canucks, dating back to the 1995 playoffs. The Blackhawks’ rivalry with the Canucks is often compared to the historic rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. Playoff games are known for antics and taunts. However, the tension between the Canucks and Blackhawks escalated into open-ice hits, and revenge tactics. This dispute even led to Canucks player Ryan Kesler calling Blackhawks left winger Andrew Ladd a coward. Ryan Kesler commented,
“He’s a coward, he’ll always be a coward. At least he was man enough to hit me when I wasn’t looking this time. He cross-checked me in the face (in the playoffs) and broke my nose when I wasn’t looking,” as reported by the Vancouver Sun.
Is the Past the Past, or Will This Rivalry Continue?
Well, in order for a rivalry to live on, several factors come into play, including proximity and the frequency of matchups. During the 2023-24 season, the Blackhawks faced the Canucks three times, losing all three games. While there were still physical checks and players in each other’s faces—typical in hockey—the Canucks seem more focused on their rivalry with the Calgary Flames. Although the Blackhawks have had their share of battles with Vancouver during past playoff seasons, this rivalry does not seem to be a major concern for Chicago in the upcoming season, especially since the Blackhawks acquired two former Canucks players in a trade this year: Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty.
The Present
It’s no surprise that the 2025 Winter Classic, hosted at Wrigley Field will showcase the Blackhawks’ biggest NHL rival, the St. Louis Blues. This rivalry extends beyond divisional placement. When the Blues became part of ‘The Second Six’ they along with the other ‘Second Six’ teams, all fell under the East Division. It wasn’t until 1970 that the Blues and Blackhawks were placed in the same division, starting a rivalry that has become a chapter in the NHL rivalry history.
For fans, it’s all fun and games when rivals are created and smack-talking can begin. However, some Blues players have witnessed the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup three times during the 2010s, while the Blues often fell short in the finals until they secured their first Cup win in 2019. This past season, the Blackhawks played the Blues four times, winning only one game. This rebuilding phase is key for the Blackhawks. Securing first-overall pick Connnor Bedard in the 2023 NHL Draft has brought major strides to the team, leading to close games even against other rivals, like the Detroit Red Wings.
The Detroit Red Wings
The rivalry between the Blackhawks and the Red Wings existed long before Patrick Kane’s move to Detroit. Kane, played roughly 16 seasons with the Blackhawks before getting traded. His 2022-23 season ended with the New York Rangers. After his hip surgery, Kane returned to play for Detroit and re-signed for another year. However, the rivalry between the Blackhawks and Red Wings extends back to before Kane became a Red Wings player.
Although no longer in the same division, their historic NHL rivalry began with the ‘Original Six’ and intense competition. Both teams have experienced challenging periods. A notable moment was when former Blackhawks player Brent Seabrook scored the overtime winner in Game 7 of the 2013 Western Conference Final. This victory helped prompt the Red Wings’ move to the Eastern Conference. Although the Red Wings have yet to win another Stanley Cup since 2008.
The Future
One moment Chicago fans might not want to remember from this past season is when star rookie Connor Bedard left the game against New Jersey with a fractured jaw. Brendan Smith’s hard hit, with no penalty called, placed Bedard on injury reserve for 14 games. But is a rivalry with a team in the Metropolitan Division something the Blackhawks need to worry about? It’s not likely. The Devils have too much on their plate with the New York Rangers. While some bad blood may linger between the teams, the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings remain the Blackhawks’ biggest challenges. The new season is fast approaching and the highly anticipated 2025 Winter Classic against St. Louis is around the corner. There is much to look forward to. The upcoming season will reveal what’s in store for the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, and Detroit Red Wings. For now, a win at the Winter Classic is the top priority.
Main Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
