A question that’s been raised lately by some Canuck blogs is whether or not the Wild has a legitimate rival in the NHL. Sure, Calgary has Edmonton, Colorado has Detroit and Toronto has Montreal (and Ottawa), but the Wild have no true rival. People in these parts argue that the Canucks fit the bill, but I have to disagree here. In order to a true rival you must answer "yes" to all of the following questions:
1. Have you beaten the other team in a playoff series? The answer here is yes, and it was the high point in this franchise’s history.
2. Does the other city believe it’s a rivalry? The answer here is maybe, depending on who you read. From a quick sampling I have come to the conclusion that most Canucks fans don’t see the Wild as a rival.
3. Is there a long history of hard-fought games? Again no, not yet. Maybe in another 5 years, but not now.
Well, there you have it, the Canucks are not a rival in my opinion. However, having said that, I think they are the most likely to become a rival at some point. Colorado and Dallas also deserve some consideration, but it’s just way too early. Rivalries are built over many, many years, and at this point the Wild is still a toddler in the National Hockey League, albeit a 9-2 toddler.
4 comments:
On #2, I think it's a bit of denial on the part of Vancouver fans' part. Why else would they visit MN's MBs?
I don't think you really need the play offs to develope a rivalry. Sometimes proximity and similarity with the teams creates a natural rivalry. Nashville and Columbus have a pretty good rivalry. They haven't met in the play offs. But, they came into the league about the same time. They are geographically pretty close to each other. And they are in the same division. Every time they meet it is a hard hitting, almost war. The teams even fight in rookie scrimages. There is just something about the two teams that they hate each other. I do agree that if they met in the play offs it would only intensify it.
I am looking forward to a big match up Saturday night with the Wild and the Preds.
packerhu: you're right, some of them do seem pretty interested in the Wild.
predguy37: the Preds are playing great hockey now -- Saturday night is shaping up to be a good game.
After the two games this season, I think the Wild and Ducks could develop a nice rivalry this season
Post a Comment