Top 10 Sports Rivalries [Forum Archive]

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Before you read this, I must acknowledge that depending on which city you grew up or currently live in, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other heated rivalries that have separated communities and distanced family members.
And while we apologize to the martyrs of these wars, we hope that you will enjoy the following list, which for the record, is based on historical significance, importance of meetings, and of course, the amount of bloodshed.
10. Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings / NHL
While Detroit was one of the Original Six hockey teams, the city of Colorado was blessed with an Avalanche team that was borne among the many topnotch draft picks that the lowly Quebec Nordiques made before they moved to the Mile High City. This rivalry isn't about selling tickets -- each team has impressive consecutive sellout streaks -- it is about winning in the playoffs and increasing ratings.
The teams have battled in the playoffs for several years, and the war started when Avalanche forward Claude Lemieux rearranged Red Wings player Kris Draper's face from behind. What ensued in 1996 (the first year the Avalanche were in Denver, beat the Red Wings, and won their first Stanley Cup) was a mammoth brawl of epic proportions in which no one was spared.
9. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers / NFL
Admittedly, this rivalry has waned in recent years, as the Pack was dominating while the Bears were hibernating. Nonetheless, this earns points in terms of Classic rivalries. In fact, you still sense the magic when the Bears meet the Packers. What really counts is the fans' energy and enthusiasm, which are virtually second to none in Soldier Field and Lambeau Field. Expect this rivalry to reach a boiling point as the two teams get a bit closer on the talent level (yes, that is a compliment to one and a critique to another).
8. New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat / NBA
Although the Miami Heat is amongst the newer NBA teams, these two Eastern Conference teams have had some memorable moments in the recent past. Some may even argue that this rivalry began when former Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Pat Riley moved from being the New York Knicks' coach to Miami, to lead the Heat. The most recent notorious moment occurred when Knicks Coach Jeff Van Gundy grabbed Heat Center Alonzo Mourning by the feet to halt a little brawl a few years back. We look forward to the playoffs...
7. Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs / NHL
Growing up in Canada, most would rank this as the sports rivalry by which others are measured. While this rivalry dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, the teams have had their ups and downs throughout the years. Despite being the most successful professional hockey team of all time, with 24 Stanley Cup Championships, the Montreal Canadiens have struggled as of late, while the Leafs have picked up the baton by appointing former Canadiens goalie legend Ken Dryden as President of the Toronto franchise, that has 11 Championships to date.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys / NFL
Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach. Two of the top quarterbacks of the 1970s. Although not all of us might remember these days clearly, you can still feel the impact of this rivalry every time you watch football films (or for that matter, every time Bradshaw opens up his mouth on Fox). The teams were loaded with talent and packed the energy level to the max, providing endless highlight reel moments to the newer generations of football fans.

5. New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox / MLB
Baseball is the most old-fashioned game in the books. While many great rivalries have emerged throughout the years, none compare to that of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. The decades of history between these two teams are amazing and unmatched, as they fought for the division title.
In a non-traditional move to spice up the game, the MLB came up with the wild card spot and added more spice to the mix. Legend dates this rivalry back to the day when the Red Sox sold their pitcher Herman "Babe" Ruth to the Yankees (which can be considered one of the greatest mistake of the 20th century). Young Babe went on to become the greatest home run hitter of his time, hence the Red Sox have felt "the Curse of the Bambino" ever since. Could not have been that much of a curse if they ended up landing baseball's top pitcher, Pedro Martinez.
4. Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys / NFL
The NFL's Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys rivalry is perhaps the most intense one in the league. These two NFC teams do not like one another. Just ask Washington spokesman Carl Swanson: "Hating the Cowboys is so much a part of the fabric of being a Redskins fan;" enough said. Success in these cities is measured by whether or not you beat, no, kill the opponent twice a year.
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics / NBA
In the 1980s, the NBA's most enduring rivalry was between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, which pitted the team with most championships (Celtics) against the second in wing (Lakers). The seed was planted when College rivals Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson were drafted by the Celtics and Lakers respectively.
The two legends have battled so often in the regular season and in the NBA finals that it elevated the league and provided it with stable revenue for the first time in its history, until a kid named MJ took over, of course. What made this so memorable was that both teams were loaded with talent, and free agency and trades had yet to deplete their teams.
2. U. of Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles / NCAA Football
In NCAA Football, rivalries increase alumni support, generate television broadcast revenue and increase student enrollment; you may have Auburn-Alabama, Army-Navy and many others, but few, if any, match the intensity and impact of a Florida Gators versus FSU Seminoles game. Why? Maybe it's the heat. Or maybe it's the fact that this game has so often dictated the College Football National Championship. The coaches know that their season-ending battle will likely defeat one team's title hopes for the year. What this has spawned is an animosity and hatred that is now seen in several sports.

1. U. of North Carolina Tar Heels vs. U. of Duke Blue Devils / NCAA Basketball
The Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels hate each other for the main two reasons that rivalries exist: rich hoops heritage and the eight miles that separate Chapel Hill and Durham. What has made this rivalry even higher-octane is (no, not Dick Vitale) that despite the fact that the players come and go, the uniforms stay constant and the fans just get crazier. In fact, this is the kind of rivalry that proves that the NCAA is even more raw and enjoyable than the pros on any given day.