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When it comes to hockey, two cities stand out as iconic and fiercely competitive: Montreal and Philadelphia. These cities boast two of the NHL’s most historic franchises, and the rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers is one of the league’s longest-running and most intense. In this post, we’ll take a look at the history and culture of hockey in these two great cities, and explore what makes each one unique.
29 MARCH 2023
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When it comes to hockey, Montreal is undoubtedly one of the sport’s most important and historic cities. The Montreal Canadiens, also known as the Habs, have been a cornerstone of the NHL since the league’s inception in 1917. With a record 24 Stanley Cup championships to their name, the Canadiens are one of the most successful franchises in the history of the sport.
The Canadiens’ success has been fueled by a deep and enduring hockey culture in Montreal. The city’s love for the game is evident in the streets, where kids can often be seen playing pick-up games on outdoor rinks, even in the dead of winter. In addition, the Bell Centre, the Canadiens’ home arena, is one of the most iconic and beloved venues in all of sports. With a seating capacity of over 21,000, the Bell Centre is always packed with passionate Canadiens fans, known for their raucous and boisterous support of the team.
In terms of gameplay, the Canadiens have a reputation for being a disciplined and defensively-oriented team. They are known for their strong goaltending, led in recent years by superstar Carey Price, and their emphasis on team defense. While the Canadiens may not always be the most exciting team to watch, they are consistently one of the league’s most successful franchises.
Philadelphia: Tough and Tenacious
If Montreal is hockey’s holy city, then Philadelphia is its rough-and-tumble blue-collar cousin. The Philadelphia Flyers have a reputation for being one of the NHL’s most physical and aggressive teams, with a style of play that is all about toughness and tenacity.
The Flyers’ success has been built on this hard-nosed style of play. They are known for their physicality, their willingness to drop the gloves and fight, and their ability to grind out wins even in the toughest of circumstances. The city’s love for the Flyers is evident in the team’s home arena, the Wells Fargo Center, where fans pack the stands and create an electric atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind.
In recent years, the Flyers have struggled to recapture the success they enjoyed in the 1970s and 80s, when they won two Stanley Cups and dominated the league with their aggressive play style. However, the team remains a beloved and respected franchise, known for their passionate fan base and their never-say-die attitude on the ice.
Montreal vs. Philadelphia: A Rivalry for the Ages
The rivalry between the Canadiens and the Flyers is one of the NHL’s oldest and most storied. Dating back to the 1960s, these two teams have faced off against each other countless times, with each game marked by intense physicality, hard hits, and plenty of bad blood.
While the Canadiens may be known for their disciplined and defensive play, they are not a team to back down from a physical challenge. The Flyers, meanwhile, have proven time and time again that they can hang with the league’s toughest teams, and are always ready to throw down the gauntlet.
When these two teams meet on the ice, it’s always a battle to remember. Whether it’s a regular-season game or a playoff matchup, the energy and intensity in the arena are palpable, and fans on both sides are on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
