Flyers: Debating the franchise’s top rivalries

The Decision

With all due respect to the Bruins, Capitals, and Devils, this pretty much comes down to a two-horse race.

Wait a minute. Due respect? Scratch that; I have no respect for those teams. I hate them, and I hope they take it as an insult that I don’t even want to give them proper consideration when it comes to determining the Flyers’ most contentious rivalry. The Devils come close, but I’ve got to draw the line somewhere.

So, Rangers/Penguins. Who ya got?

If you want to take into account the entire breadth of Flyers team history and examine things on the deeper social level of regional rivalries, you’d have to go with the Rangers. Nothing is worse in the entire history of human existence than New York fans, and the pleasure of beating their teams is a balm that will forever heal the soul of Philadelphia.

But.

While history is important, the ebbs and flows of a sports fans’ existence mean that the mentality of “what have you done for me lately” plays a huge role. And for a vast majority of frustrated Flyers fans, the joy/aggravation of watching the Flyers deal with Crosby and his cohorts since 2005 has been a source of so much emotion that it simply overwhelms the steadiness and historical significance of Flyers/Rangers.

So, with mixed feelings, I’m coming to probably the same conclusion that you have. The Philadelphia Flyers’ greatest all-time rival is, to this point in time, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Things could change down the road, but this is how it stands at this point in time. So let it soak in, because it’s the only time that I’ll ever pick the Penguins for anything.