Canadiens‑Maple Leafs clashes and Flames‑Oilers series dominate NHL rivalry highlights 2025‑26

During the 2025‑26 NHL season, the historic rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs produced several violent and high‑penalty moments. The teams opened the season on Oct. 8, with Toronto winning 5‑2. The rivalry intensified on Nov. 22 when Canadiens rookie Florian Xhekaj made his NHL debut, instantly engaging in a fight with Leafs defenseman Dakota Mermis, while his brother Arber also fought, leading to multiple game misconducts. Across December the two clubs accumulated 172 penalty minutes, and in February that figure rose to 167, featuring numerous fighting majors and misconducts.

In the Battle of Alberta, the Calgary Flames secured provincial bragging rights by winning three of four match‑ups against the Edmonton Oilers, clinching the season series. These episodes underscored the season’s heightened physicality and the continuing significance of traditional NHL rivalries.