The Devils vs. Senators: A Comprehensive Guide to the Epic Rivalry

Introduction

The Devils-Senators rivalry is one of the most heated and passionate in the NHL. The two teams have a long history of animosity, dating back to their days as the Kansas City Scouts and the Ottawa Nationals. The rivalry intensified in the 1990s, when the Devils relocated to New Jersey and the Senators became an expansion team.

Over the years, the Devils and Senators have met in some of the most memorable games in NHL history. The two teams have faced off in four Stanley Cup Finals, with the Devils winning three of them. The rivalry has also been marked by some bitter feuds between players, including the legendary confrontations between Scott Stevens and Daniel Alfredsson.

A Historical Perspective

Early Years (1970-1992)

The rivalry between the Devils and Senators began in 1974, when the Kansas City Scouts moved to Denver and became the Colorado Rockies. The Senators, who had been founded in 1923, were a perennial bottom-dweller in the NHL. The two teams met only a handful of times during the early years, and the rivalry was not particularly intense.

Relocation and Expansion (1992-2000)

In 1992, the Devils relocated to New Jersey, and the Senators became an expansion team. The rivalry between the two teams quickly intensified. The Devils were a contending team, while the Senators were still struggling to find their footing in the NHL. However, the Senators upset the Devils in the 1998 playoffs, which marked a turning point in the rivalry.

Height of the Rivalry (2000-2012)

The Devils-Senators rivalry reached its peak in the 2000s and early 2010s. The two teams met in the Stanley Cup Finals twice during this period, with the Devils winning in 2000 and 2003. The rivalry was also marked by some bitter feuds between players, including the legendary confrontation between Scott Stevens and Daniel Alfredsson.

Recent Years (2012-Present)

The rivalry between the Devils and Senators has cooled somewhat in recent years. Both teams have struggled to find success, and they have not met in the playoffs since 2012. However, the rivalry remains one of the most passionate in the NHL, and it is sure to flare up again in the future.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

• 1998 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: The Senators upset the heavily favored Devils in a seven-game series. This was a major turning point in the rivalry, as it showed that the Senators were capable of competing with the top teams in the NHL.
• 2000 Stanley Cup Finals: The Devils defeated the Senators in six games to win their first Stanley Cup. This was a huge victory for the Devils, and it cemented their status as one of the top teams in the NHL.
• 2003 Stanley Cup Finals: The Devils defeated the Senators in seven games to win their second Stanley Cup. This was a hard-fought series, and it further intensified the rivalry between the two teams.
• 2009 Eastern Conference Semifinals: The Devils defeated the Senators in seven games to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. This was a bitter series, and it marked the last time the two teams met in the playoffs.

The Players

The Devils-Senators rivalry has featured some of the greatest players in NHL history. Some of the most notable players who have been involved in the rivalry include:

• Scott Stevens: Stevens was a legendary defenseman who played for the Devils from 1991 to 2004. He was known for his physical play and his ability to shut down opposing players.
• Martin Brodeur: Brodeur was a legendary goalie who played for the Devils from 1993 to 2014. He is considered one of the greatest goalies in NHL history.
• Patrik Elias: Elias was a star forward who played for the Devils from 1995 to 2016. He was known for his speed, skill, and offensive prowess.
• Daniel Alfredsson: Alfredsson was a star forward who played for the Senators from 1995 to 2013. He was known for his leadership, his scoring ability, and his ability to make big plays in big games.
• Erik Karlsson: Karlsson is a star defenseman who has played for the Senators since 2008. He is known for his offensive skills and his ability to generate offense from the back end.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Devils-Senators rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in the NHL. The two teams have a long history of animosity, and they are sure to continue to battle it out for years to come.

The future of the rivalry looks bright. The Devils and Senators are both young and talented teams, and they are both capable of competing for a Stanley Cup. If the two teams continue to improve, the rivalry is sure to reach new heights in the years to come.

Tables

Table 1: Devils-Senators Head-to-Head Record

Table 2: Devils-Senators Stanley Cup Finals Appearances

Table 3: Devils-Senators Award Winners