Ranking the Greatest Rivalries

[geoo9]

And yet you're still bitter about that incident, more than 40 years later? Methinks the lady ( or gent? ) doth protest too much

yll do same if your best player get injured like that - and clarke did not get suspension.
History in Canada forget dirt but remember only victory
So Canada forget Koharsky and way that they won Canada Cup 87
Sure -hockey nation must remeber only victories)))
All that - History And all that make OUR (RUS CAN) meetings so interesting - It make us motivated and stronger

 

[eyetest is useless]

Finland-Sweden is great because the rivalry covers every sport, it's not just about hockey although hockey is the greatest stage for it. It's not at its peak currently but hopefully these wjc games this year and last will wake up the rivalry among our youngsters. This rivalry has some golden stories in the past like in 2004 when Jarkko Ruutu told Swedish media his hotel room number and invited Hedström to "talk" after the game. That's some good old rival hate.

Canada-Russia is of course the two big hockey countries but is it a huge rivalry any more? At least in soccer the greatest rivalries aren't between the top clubs (outside El Classico). Spain against Germany in soccer? Not a rivalry imo.

IMO a derby is different to a rivalry. Rivalry is more short-lived, it happens when two teams compete for titles like Detroit vs Colorado 15 years ago. Derby is more like bruins-habs, a game that is considered important no matter where the teams stand.That can be due to geography or if they have another significant reason to hate each other (political etc.).

To use the soccer example... germany's biggest games are england and holland, and while we have played important games against them, if it weren't for the proximity, I don't think the stakes would be as high. For example, we played argentina in three world cup finals alone, knocked them out of three straight tournaments, and argentinians would never call us bigger rivals that brazil.

On the other hand... proximmity isn't enough. France and Germany were once regarded as eterna enemies, and it isn't really a derby because their team wasnt that good in the past (also because of a better relationship nowadays).

 

[Scotty B]

yll do same if your best player get injured like that - and clarke did not get suspension.
History in Canada forget dirt but remember only victory
So Canada forget Koharsky and way that they won Canada Cup 87
Sure -hockey nation must remeber only victories)))
All that - History And all that make OUR (RUS CAN) meetings so interesting - It make us motivated and stronger

Hmmm bit of a hook on one of the Russian players ( forget his name , but didn't he coach your NATS? ) giving chase to Gretz and Mario...6-5 good guys! Previous game also 6-5 good guys, first game 6-5 Bad guys

Cheers Russian

 

[Pgust]

How can Canada vs. USA be a better rivality than Sweden vs. Finland? People who have absolutely no interest in hockey in Sweden even watch Swe vs. Fin games, even media goes bananas when these two countries face each other.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

How can Canada vs. USA be a better rivality than Sweden vs. Finland? People who have absolutely no interest in hockey in Sweden even watch Swe vs. Fin games, even media goes bananas when these two countries face each other.

They're definitely in the same ballpark when it comes to the rivalries with geographical foundations, but if I were to suggest any possibility, it would be better teams/players competing for higher stakes. I mean, "better" is subjective from the get-go, but repeatedly having Canada-US gold medal showdowns has potential to foster more animosity/"fame" than repeatedly having Finland-Sweden bronze medal battles. Also, Canadians are the greatest competition for Americans when it comes to employment in the top league in the world, and vice versa, so there's that level of it, too.

 

[Scotty B]

How can Canada vs. USA be a better rivality than Sweden vs. Finland? People who have absolutely no interest in hockey in Sweden even watch Swe vs. Fin games, even media goes bananas when these two countries face each other.

And then you Scandinavia brothers set ur differences aside, and cheer for the winning side in the next game vs Canada

 

[geoo9]

And nother Thing is _Canada always play attacking hockey.
they cant play defensive idea like Czech or Finns. This is best game on the Earth so enjoy it

 

[LandofCain]

I do log on and read this site but I made an account today especially to comment on this thread.

I believe the greatest all-time rivalry in hockey is Russia-Canada. While I wasn't there to witness it in the beginning, I've definitely heard about it plenty and watched video clips and read about it. While it was politically-charged and bitter to the bone in the beginning, I do believe it has changed over time and become more of a healthy respect for another intense hockey nation.

I actually love meeting Russian hockey fans online because I really value the great history we have together in hockey and I visit The Big Red Machine page on FB and exchange well wishes during the world juniors this year and last, as well as during the Olympics. I remember last year, I asked the members there (who appear to be primarily in Russia) whether they would prefer to meet Canada or the U.S.A. in the gold medal game for the Olympics (because I had seen some Americans posting other places that there was no question that the Russians would want to play them because of the 1980 Olympics.) Almost all the responses I got back said they most wanted to play Canada for the gold because of the history and the classic rivalry/intense games. Even a couple days ago, I posted on the page again saying that I hoped we'd be playing them for the gold and the page owner said quite enthusiastically that he wished to play Canada for the gold every time. And btw, Tretiak himself went on record at the Olympics saying he wanted a Russia/Canada gold medal game too, it was on video.

Lastly, I know that if you are talking about the political arena or sports at large, then the answer would be different, but I do believe the forum is about hockey and I'm answering from a hockey only perspective.

Second rivalry for me would be Canada/U.S.A. (and I know this will mean less to non-North Americans but I can only speak from my own perspective.) However, I'd have to say that I echo the other poster who said that he'd rather lose to Russia any day than to the States. I personally feel there is a lot more animosity between American and Canadian hockey fans (not all mind you, but a significant portion can get quite nasty with the comments when it comes to international competition and insist on bringing in totally non-hockey related insults or hockey-related ones that make absolutely no logical sense) and I also get tired of "who cares about hockey anyways! that's all you guys are good at, we dominate in every other sport, why don't you try to beat us in a REAL sport like football!" etc. etc.type reactions when we beat them.) I just think it's a pretty unhealthy relationship I'd say... maybe ok if you are just discussing NHL teams but definitely not the healthiest when discussing international competition. And again, I am not saying all Americans fall into that category and there are jerks on both sides I know, but just saying generally I don't like dealing with all that animosity.

I know Sweden & Finland are a big rivalry too but I'm not European so I would leave the European rivalries to the experts.

Sorry for the longish post.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

Sorry for the longish post.

Not at all. It was a good one - especially for a first.

 

[Boreal01]

1. Canada - Russia
2. Canada - USA
3. Finland - Sweden
4. Russia - USA
5. Germany - Switzerland

 

[Hammer Time]

You would have to be completely biased if you claim that Canada-Russia is easily hockey's number 1 rivalry right now. The last time these two teams met on senior level in finals was in 2009 WC. I also want to mention that this rivalry has been almost non-existent in the Olympics for the last 20 years. And we all remember what happened the last time when the two teams met in the Olympics (2010). The only reason the rivalry is still good is because of juniors, which most people outside of Canada don't even watch. The USA-Canada rivalry would be better if the US managed to upset Canada even once on senior level. Finland-Sweden is the only rivalry that currently exists in all three major tournaments (Olympics, WC, WJC).

I'm not denying how great the Can-Rus rivalry is historically, I'm just telling facts how it has been recently.

Russia defeated Canada in ...

2006 Olympics
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 WC
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 WJC

I don't think it's died down at all.

 

[Scotty B]

I do log on and read this site but I made an account today especially to comment on this thread.

I believe the greatest all-time rivalry in hockey is Russia-Canada. While I wasn't there to witness it in the beginning, I've definitely heard about it plenty and watched video clips and read about it. While it was politically-charged and bitter to the bone in the beginning, I do believe it has changed over time and become more of a healthy respect for another intense hockey nation.

I actually love meeting Russian hockey fans online because I really value the great history we have together in hockey and I visit The Big Red Machine page on FB and exchange well wishes during the world juniors this year and last, as well as during the Olympics. I remember last year, I asked the members there (who appear to be primarily in Russia) whether they would prefer to meet Canada or the U.S.A. in the gold medal game for the Olympics (because I had seen some Americans posting other places that there was no question that the Russians would want to play them because of the 1980 Olympics.) Almost all the responses I got back said they most wanted to play Canada for the gold because of the history and the classic rivalry/intense games. Even a couple days ago, I posted on the page again saying that I hoped we'd be playing them for the gold and the page owner said quite enthusiastically that he wished to play Canada for the gold every time. And btw, Tretiak himself went on record at the Olympics saying he wanted a Russia/Canada gold medal game too, it was on video.

Lastly, I know that if you are talking about the political arena or sports at large, then the answer would be different, but I do believe the forum is about hockey and I'm answering from a hockey only perspective.

Second rivalry for me would be Canada/U.S.A. (and I know this will mean less to non-North Americans but I can only speak from my own perspective.) However, I'd have to say that I echo the other poster who said that he'd rather lose to Russia any day than to the States. I personally feel there is a lot more animosity between American and Canadian hockey fans (not all mind you, but a significant portion can get quite nasty with the comments when it comes to international competition and insist on bringing in totally non-hockey related insults or hockey-related ones that make absolutely no logical sense) and I also get tired of "who cares about hockey anyways! that's all you guys are good at, we dominate in every other sport, why don't you try to beat us in a REAL sport like football!" etc. etc.type reactions when we beat them.) I just think it's a pretty unhealthy relationship I'd say... maybe ok if you are just discussing NHL teams but definitely not the healthiest when discussing international competition. And again, I am not saying all Americans fall into that category and there are jerks on both sides I know, but just saying generally I don't like dealing with all that animosity.

I know Sweden & Finland are a big rivalry too but I'm not European so I would leave the European rivalries to the experts.

Sorry for the longish post.

Not at all...Couldn't have said it better myself...And I'm being literal. I quite literally couldn't and didn't say it as well ...

 

[Coaster]

Russia defeated Canada in ...

2006 Olympics
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 WC
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 WJC

I don't think it's died down at all.

Can-Rus rivalry in the most important competition (Olympics) has been quite non-existent for the last 20 years, and almost completely replaced by Canada-USA showdowns. I didn't say that the rivalry doesn't exist anymore. I just wouldn't overrate it over Can-USA and Fin-Swe rivalries which have been equally good in my opinion recently.

 

[Urbanskog]

And then you Scandinavia brothers set ur differences aside, and cheer for the winning side in the next game vs Canada

Finland isn't Scandinavia, try "Nordic" the next time.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

Can-Rus rivalry in the most important competition (Olympics) has been quite non-existent for the last 20 years, and almost completely replaced by Canada-USA showdowns. I didn't say that the rivalry doesn't exist anymore. I just wouldn't overrate it over Can-USA and Fin-Swe rivalries which have been equally good in my opinion recently.

But has been very much existent in the World Championships (particularly in the 20XX years - defeating Canada on Canadian soil in '08, for example, and in Switzerland the following year) - an event in which Russia still leads the overall gold medal count 27-24, has cockblocked Canada numerous times, and where the US has usually been an afterthought, relatively speaking.

 

[Coaster]

But has been very much existent in the World Championships (particularly in the 20XX years - defeating Canada on Canadian soil in '08, for example, and in Switzerland the following year) - an event in which Russia still leads the overall gold medal count 27-24, has cockblocked Canada numerous times, and where the US has usually been an afterthought, relatively speaking.

Apparently you completely missed my point. I wasn't talking about WC's, or their total gold medal count. The Olympics happen to be the most important tournament in international hockey and the true best of the best tournament. In the Olympics, the Canada-Russia rivalry has been pretty much dead for as long as I've lived. Like I said, Canada-Russia might be historically the greatest rivalry, and it still is one of the best rivalries obviously when you look at WC's and WJC's. But recently Can-USA and Fin-Swe rivalries have been equally as good when you look at all the three major tournaments.

 

[Rocko604]

For me it's Canada/Russia and then Canada/USA. Really wish Russia's performance in the Olympics was better and that we could have met them in the medal round, but oh well. Some Canadians may dismiss the 08 and 09 World Championships, but 08 was a letdown, we had 3-1 and 4-2 leads on home ice.

 

[dwanmaster*]

In terms of world relevance it's USA - Russia by a large margin, then everything else

 

[geoo9]

In terms of world relevance it's USA - Russia by a large margin, then everything else

ouch In Soviet Russia 't heard and don't know it

 

[ManofSteel55]

Sweden-Finland is probably the most intense. Canada-Russia has a ton of history, but the hate has cooled I think.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

Apparently you completely missed my point.

Oh no, I totally got your point that the Olympics are so much more important than everything else that they dictate the entire state of the rivalry... despite happening only once every four years... I just don't agree, obviously.

 

[NyQuil]

The best thing for Olympic hockey would be for someone else to win. As long as Canada wins, it won't have the same importance to the other countries.

Meanwhile, the WCs, happening as they do during the NHL playoffs and usually on European soil, will never really resonate as part of any rivalry here in Canada.

 

[Scotty B]

Finland isn't Scandinavia, try "Nordic" the next time.

hmmm ...too lazy to look it up...could u kindly explain the difference for us Neophytes?

 

[Exarz]

hmmm ...too lazy to look it up...could u kindly explain the difference for us Neophytes?

Red = Scandinavian
Orange = Nordic

 

[Scotty B]

But has been very much existent in the World Championships (particularly in the 20XX years - defeating Canada on Canadian soil in '08, for example, and in Switzerland the following year) - an event in which Russia still leads the overall gold medal count 27-24, has cockblocked Canada numerous times, and where the US has usually been an afterthought, relatively speaking.

While the RUS/CAN rivalry still burns hot...Canada has only hosted the WC's once in a hundred years. It's still seen as a second rate Euro snoozefest over here, which provides scant competition for SC playoffs. We send the odd A quality vet, a bunch of lesser guys who have no hope in hell of ever making our A team, plus some promising teenagers like Hall, Eberle, Duchene, and Skinner couple of years back, and Mackinnon last year.

Nobody holds HC's feet to the fire ( and won't ) for coming close but no cigar at WC's in recent years. Most understand about all the refuseniks, and the tough position they're in. Plus its nice to see the kids in a TC uni. But otherwise, yawn...

Even head to head matches with RUS lose their luster at WC's. Canucks crave best on best ( or close to it ) showdowns with, what is to me and many others, our most hated foe..