The 2025-26 NHL season has delivered one of the most competitive Stanley Cup races in recent years. The playoffs have already produced dramatic Game 7 finishes, coaching changes, breakout stars, and several franchises ending long postseason droughts. The conference finals are now set, with the Carolina Hurricanes facing the Montreal Canadiens in the East, while the Colorado Avalanche take on the Vegas Golden Knights in the West. Montreal advanced after a dramatic overtime Game 7 win against the Buffalo Sabres, while Carolina reached the conference finals after sweeping Philadelphia.
This postseason has also reflected how much the NHL continues to evolve. Teams like Buffalo and Anaheim returned to playoff relevance after years away, while franchises such as Colorado and Carolina continued building consistent contenders around elite core players. The defending champion Florida Panthers failed to qualify, proving again how difficult it is to stay on top in hockey. As the Stanley Cup chase intensifies, the current generation of stars is adding new chapters to the league’s long history of rivalries. But before today’s stars shaped the modern NHL, the league was defined by legendary player rivalries that elevated franchises, increased television interest, and pushed the sport into new eras.
MORE: Alex Newhook and Canadiens stun fans with ‘unbelievable’ OT win in Game 7
Wayne Gretzky vs. Mario Lemieux
Nov 8, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) shake hands after a puck drop ceremony prior to their game at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Few rivalries changed the modern NHL more than Sidney Crosby versus Alex Ovechkin. Both entered the league in 2005 after the NHL lockout and immediately became the faces of a new era. Crosby represented the complete playmaker for Pittsburgh, while Ovechkin became the league’s most feared goal scorer with the Washington Capitals.
Their rivalry peaked between 2007 and 2018 as Pittsburgh and Washington repeatedly met in major playoff series. Crosby’s Penguins won three Stanley Cups during his era, while Ovechkin finally captured his first championship in 2018. Individually, Crosby built a reputation as one of hockey’s smartest all-around players, while Ovechkin chased historic goal-scoring records and eventually passed several legends on the all-time list. Their head-to-head matchups became national television events and helped rebuild NHL popularity after the lockout years. The rivalry also pushed both franchises into consistent championship contention for more than a decade.
Gordie Howe vs. Maurice Richard
Feel like posting a few other sports photographs today. Here’s Mr Hockey, Gordie Howe getting the best of Maurice Richard in a fight. pic.twitter.com/awBA72APUs
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) July 26, 2022
During the Original Six era, Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard represented two very different hockey identities. Howe starred for the Detroit Red Wings with his complete two-way game and unmatched durability. Richard became the symbol of the Montreal Canadiens through his scoring and emotional connection with French-Canadian fans.
Their rivalry stretched from the 1940s into the 1960s and shaped early NHL history. Richard became the first NHL player to score 50 goals in a season and the first to reach 500 career goals. Howe answered with six Hart Trophies and a career that lasted across five decades. Games between Detroit and Montreal carried massive intensity because both players symbolized championship hockey. Richard’s fiery personality contrasted with Howe’s toughness and consistency. Together, they helped transform the NHL into a major professional sports league in North America.
Patrick Roy vs. Dominik Hasek
Oct 11, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Hall of Famers Bobby Orr (left) and Phill Esposito acknowledge the crowd during ceremonies honoring the Boston Bruins 100th season in the NHL before the game between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Bobby Orr revolutionized hockey from the blue line with the Boston Bruins, while Brad Park became his closest competitor during the late 1960s and 1970s. Park played mainly for the New York Rangers and later Boston, and many considered him one of the best defensemen ever. Unfortunately for Park, his prime overlapped with Orr’s dominance.
Orr changed expectations for defensemen by combining elite skating with offensive production. He won eight straight Norris Trophies and remains the only defenseman to win multiple scoring titles. Park was outstanding defensively and offensively, but he constantly finished behind Orr in award voting. Their rivalry still mattered because fans and media compared them every season. Games between Boston and New York gained extra attention because both players controlled the pace from the back end. Orr eventually became one of the most influential players in hockey history, but Park’s consistency ensured the rivalry remained competitive.
Mark Messier vs. Steve Yzerman
Apr 13, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon (29) battle in a face-off during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon represent the NHL’s modern speed era. McDavid became the centerpiece of the Edmonton Oilers with unmatched acceleration and playmaking, while MacKinnon turned Colorado into a Stanley Cup contender through explosive offense and physical intensity.
MORE: Canadiens’ Alex Newhook embraces ‘Dangerous Team’ identity after Game 7 thriller
Their rivalry has grown throughout the 2020s as both players compete for MVP awards and playoff supremacy. MacKinnon led Colorado to a Stanley Cup in 2022, while McDavid continues chasing his first championship despite producing historic offensive numbers. Their playoff meetings have become must-watch hockey because both players can change games within seconds.