With the turn of the year, the winter weather has fully set in, but at the halfway point in the NHL regular season, things are hotting up nicely in the Eastern and Western Conference divisions. There are close battles developing in each division, with plenty to play for at the top, middle and bottom of each table. The title holders, Florida Panthers, have enjoyed a good season so far and are positioned nicely in the Atlantic Division.
There are plenty of teams in the mix to finish top of their respective division and with plenty of points to play for, we can expect many more flash points over the coming months. A quick browse at today’s ice hockey odds at Lucky Koala sports will show NHL fans that experts are expecting many more twists and turns over the remainder of the season and a lot more from current favorites Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes.
Over the long history of the NFL, rivalries have developed that fans look forward to every season. Whether it is historical, geographical, or competitive, these are the matches that bring a lot of excitement and energy. At the halfway point, what have we got to look forward to for the rest of the regular season and even into the playoffs?
Ottawa Senators & Montreal Canadiens
Just a couple of hours separate the two stadiums in two of Canada’s biggest cities and there is not long to wait until the next blockbuster clash between these two teams. With both locked in a tight midtable battle, wins are becoming increasingly crucial in the race to make the playoffs. There is barely anything between the two in the standings, unlike the first encounter between the two in October, when the Canadiens blew the Senators away, triumphing 4-1 over their neighbors across the Quebec/Ontario border. If one or both these teams are closer to the top of the Atlantic Division, there could be some extra spice to the match in Ottawa on 23rd February.
New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils & New York Islanders
Despite the proximity between Ottawa and Montreal, there is no geographically closer rivalry in the NHL than the one shared by the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and the New York Rangers. Historically, the Rangers have enjoyed the greatest success in the NHL than their rivals over the Hudson and East Rivers. The Rangers have more Stanley Cup appearances than the other two combined and with four successes, are tied with the Islanders.
However, this season paints a different picture, with the New York teams propping up the Metropolitan Division. It makes for even worse reading for Rangers and Islanders fans when they see how high the Devils are flying.
In a complete reversal of fortunes from the 2023/24 season, New Jersey are pushing the Washington Capitals for top spot while the New York teams struggle to bridge the gap to midtable. Regardless of the standings, rivalries as such can bring the best out of any team. And that certainly rang true for the Rangers just a couple of games ago when Peter Laviolette’s team claimed a stunning overtime win over the Devils at Madison Square Garden.
Boston Bruins & Toronto Maple Leafs
While Toronto could also be dragged into the Montreal Canadiens/Ottawa Senators debate, the Maple Leafs share a healthy competitive rivalry with the Boston Bruins. In the last ten matches, including the recent clash on 4th January 2025, the two teams are tied at 5-5. There are thrills and spills guaranteed when the two come together. And now there is even a family rivalry etched into this historic matchup. Maple Leafs’ Calle ‘Ironhook” Järnkrok is cousins with Bruins’ center Elias Lindholm, which adds an interesting angle ahead of their final tie against each other in the regular season on 26th February. The emphasis will be on the Bruins to try and claw back some of the advantage Toronto have at the top of the table.