Penguins Vs Rangers: A Contentious Rivalry in the NHL
The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers is one of the most contentious and storied in the National Hockey League (NHL). The two teams have met in the playoffs 11 times since 1991, with the Penguins holding a 6-5 advantage. Their most recent matchup, in the 2022 Eastern Conference Second Round, saw the Rangers prevail in seven games.
Historical Context
The rivalry between the Penguins and Rangers dates back to the early 1990s, when both teams were emerging as contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux, won the Stanley Cup in 1991 and 1992. The Rangers, led by Mark Messier, won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
The two teams have met in the playoffs on a regular basis since then, with the rivalry intensifying in recent years. The Penguins have won the Stanley Cup three times in the past 15 years, while the Rangers have not won a Stanley Cup since 1994.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Penguins-Rangers rivalry have included:
- Mario Lemieux (Penguins)
- Mark Messier (Rangers)
- Jaromir Jagr (Penguins)
- Henrik Lundqvist (Rangers)
- Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
- Artemi Panarin (Rangers)
Recent Matchups
The Penguins and Rangers have met in the playoffs four times in the past seven years.
- 2022 Eastern Conference Second Round: Rangers win 4-3
- 2016 Eastern Conference First Round: Penguins win 4-1
- 2015 Eastern Conference Second Round: Rangers win 4-1
- 2014 Eastern Conference Final: Rangers win 4-3
The Penguins and Rangers are both expected to be contenders in the Eastern Conference this season. They could meet in the playoffs again this spring, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.
Fan Base
The Penguins and Rangers have two of the most passionate fan bases in the NHL. The Penguins' fans are known for their "Terrible Towels," which they wave at games. The Rangers' fans are known for their "Blue Shirts," which they wear to games.
The rivalry between the two teams is also reflected in their fan bases. The fans of both teams are often hostile to each other, and there have been several incidents of violence between the two fan bases.
Conclusion
The Penguins-Rangers rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in the NHL. The two teams have met in the playoffs 11 times since 1991, with the Penguins holding a 6-5 advantage. The rivalry is expected to continue for many years to come, as both teams are expected to be contenders in the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future.
The rivalry between the Penguins and Rangers is more than just a game. It is a reflection of the two cities that they represent. Pittsburgh is a blue-collar town, while New York City is a financial and cultural center. The rivalry between the two teams is a reflection of the different values and cultures of the two cities.