Spotlight on the Original Six rivalries

The ‘Original Six’ is a term for the six franchises that stabilized the National Hockey League after the Great Depression and world wars took their toll.  Those with the experience of seeing the league operate in the ‘golden’ era of the Original Six franchises revisit tales of dynasties, legendary figures and a league that policed itself with a combination of Wild West justice and backyard shinny. 

On-ice products drive the league today; to have these original markets enriched by winning tradition and competing as superior franchises only credits the NHL.  A strong New York Rangers team would keep the NHL battling for cable television offers and newspaper headlines. 

Cam Neely as an executive in Boston has the Bruins inspired and management has outlined a team that centers upon Zdeno Chara, Marc Savard, and Milan Lucic.  Rocky Wirtz has revamped the Chicago Blackhawks’ platform, galvanizing the fan-base with a local cable television deal and utilizing a strong draft record since the turn of the millennium. 

The Detroit Red Wings are of course the gold standard for the league as a whole; the Montreal Canadiens are holding 100th year celebrations after hosting the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and All-Star game last season; the Toronto Maple Leafs have begun reading a much more compelling chapter in franchise history.

The Chicago Blackhawks, led by Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and rookie goaltender Antti Niemi, have now hoisted the Stanley Cup. After honouring the most special players in 'Hawks history, players such as Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, the ultimate goal has been reached once again for every fan or member of the team. 

Finances of course play their part.  Forbes Magazine rates all of the Original Six franchises as being in the top half of the league financially (get current rankings HERE).   Toronto is of course the most valuable hockey market on the planet and tops the list at $470 million.  The next closest is the New York Rangers ($416 M), followed by larger drop-offs for Montreal ($339 M) and Detroit ($337 M).  Boston is positioned well in 6th ($271 M) and Chicago is the least valuable of the original franchises at 7th best ($258 M). 

All of the original franchises posted greater values, with Detroit and Chicago making up considerable ground.  Healthy management, strong branding, and continent-wide fan bases are all strong indicators that the teams are persuasive in the boardroom, as well as appealing in the rink.

Rivalry is very much alive.  On 1 January 2009, the Blackhawks hosted Detroit at Wrigley Field, while the most recent 'Outdoor Classic' was a showdown of the Philadelphia Flyers in Boston's Fenway Park to take on the Bruins on 1 January 2010. The NHL has gone a long way to exposing and promoting the game, but it is time to 'hit one outta the park'.

Games between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens have a spectacular ambience, especially in Montreal’s centennial celebration and with the Leafs garnering some valid interest.  Tension will only heighten the experience fans take away from the games as the contests become more critical. 

Updated last on 2 July 2010 / Robin Keith Thompson