What is considered the best rivalry in the NHL?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

The historic, deeply passionate rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs is widely regarded by hockey historians and purists as the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport. Pitting Canada's two largest and most storied hockey markets against one another, this Original Six clash spans over a century of intense competition, cultural friction, legendary playoff battles, and iconic moments that capture the absolute soul of professional hockey.

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