Division Realignment could kill coveted Flyers vs Pens rivalry
With the start of the 2021 NHL season just over a month and a half away, the league is attempting to re-structure a “safe and feasible” 2020-21 regular season.
Realigning the divisions will attempt to cut down on travel for each NHL team. Here’s what’s being discussed:
Canada:
Flames, Oilers, Canadiens, Senators, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Jets
East:
Bruins, Sabres, Hurricanes, Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Flyers, Capitals
Central:
Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Panthers, Predators, Penguins, Blues, Lightning
West:
Ducks, Coyotes, Avalanche, Stars, Kings, Wild, Sharks, Golden Knights
Obviously, the rumored realignment would remove both the Blue Jackets and Penguins from the Flyers division. There’s two different ways to look at it.
- The Flyers schedule just got a heck of a lot easier without having to face the Blue Jackets and Penguins.
- The NHL is killing one of the best rivalries they have throughout the entire league.
It would be a shame to see the Giroux/Crosby, Flyers/Penguins rivalry come to a sudden stop due to COVID-19 restrictions. There’s so much energy with the battle of PA.
Looking at the new rumored East division, it has some resemblance to the Metropolitan. Facing the Boston Bruins could provide a renewed energy to the Philly vs Boston rivalry. The new-look Sabres with Taylor Hall could be intriguing to watch as well.
We’ll keep you updated as rumors turn into news. Just something to keep an eye on during the Flyers offseasson.
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