New York Rangers top five rivals right now
By Lou Venditti
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers have an underrated rivalry in the modern era. The two teams have met in the playoffs three times since 2012. The Rangers won the first two meetings, but were trounced and embarrassed by the Penguins in the 2015-2016 playoffs.
The rivalry between the two teams is based on both being playoff contenders, as well as playing in the same division. The two teams play each other upwards of four times a season, plus an occasional playoff matchup. Seeing each other that much lets players find new ways to get under each other’s skin.
An interesting aspect about the Rangers and Penguins rivalry is the makeup of the teams. The Penguins are one of the most recognizable teams in the NHL. They’re packed with starpower in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and so forth. The Rangers, while recognizable, aren’t on the same level of starpower.
The Penguins and the Rangers will continue to see a bunch of each other. While the Penguins are coming off back to back Stanley Cups, the Rangers are a formidable rival that can get under the skin of the Penguins.