Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

About

The Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs rivalry is one of the most iconic in sports, rooted in their status as two of the NHL's Original Six teams. Established in 1909 and 1917, respectively, they have been competing since the league's inception. This rivalry gained prominence after the Montreal Maroons folded in 1938, leaving them as the only Canadian teams until 1970. During the Original Six era, they dominated the Stanley Cup, with one of them winning it in 19 out of 25 seasons. The rivalry transcends sports, reflecting Canada's cultural and linguistic divides, with Montreal representing French-speaking Quebec and Toronto symbolizing English-speaking Ontario. Their matchups have produced numerous iconic moments, including intense playoff battles. Despite a decrease in playoff meetings, the rivalry remains strong, symbolizing national identity and hockey passion. The Canadiens lead in playoff wins, but the Maple Leafs have had notable victories, including the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals. Their games are always highly anticipated, embodying the essence of Canadian hockey tradition.