In the world of hockey, rivalries are an essential part of the game, and for the New Jersey Devils, some feuds stand out more than others. Similar to iconic matchups like the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks against the St. Louis Blues, the Devils’ rivalries extend to teams within their own division. The intensity of these rivalries is not a surprise, as competition is a fundamental part of the sport. Since their inception in 1982, the Devils have been three-time Stanley Cup champions, and throughout the years, one thing has remained constant – their intense rivalries.
One of the most notable rivalries for the Devils is with the Philadelphia Flyers, often dubbed the “Battle of the Turnpikes.” This rivalry stems from the geographic proximity of the two teams, with the New Jersey Turnpike serving as a symbolic divide between them. Although the history of this rivalry may not be as storied as the Devils-Rangers feud, the passion of the fans from both sides remains strong. The Flyers’ practice location in Southern New Jersey only adds fuel to the fire, as Devils fans see it as an incursion into their territory.
In terms of on-ice battles, the Devils have had their fair share of victories over the Flyers, including a crucial win in Game six of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals, which ultimately led them to win the Stanley Cup that year. The two teams have met numerous times in the regular season, with one of the most recent showdowns being at the 2024 Stadium Series held at MetLife Stadium, where the Devils emerged victorious in a thrilling 6-3 game.
Another rivalry that has heated up in recent years for the Devils is with the Carolina Hurricanes, with tensions reaching a boiling point during the playoffs. Proximity once again plays a significant role in this rivalry, as both teams battle it out for a chance at playoff glory. The intensity of the matchup was exemplified by a heated fight between Jack Hughes and Sebastian Aho during the 2023 playoffs, solidifying the animosity between the two teams.
It’s also worth noting the minor beef between the Devils and the Rangers, with Erik Haula being a focal point of contention. Despite Haula’s departure from the Hurricanes three years prior to joining the Devils, his time with Carolina was marred by injuries, leading to a less-than-amicable reception from Hurricanes fans when the Devils visit PNC Arena.
As the Devils continue to cultivate their rivalries within the NHL, one thing is for sure – the passion and intensity of these matchups only serve to fuel the fire of competition in the world of hockey. With each game, the history and animosity between these teams continue to grow, creating unforgettable moments in the world of professional hockey.
