A Look at the Biggest Rivals of the Dallas Stars

While the current divisions are still getting sorted out for 2021, now would be a good time to scope out the biggest rivals of the Stars.

Assuming the current model for the 2021 NHL season holds up, many of the biggest rivals for Dallas could be temporarily aligned in the same division for 2021; that will be fun.

St. Louis Blues

Starting off the list is the oldest, and arguably the biggest rival of Dallas; the St. Louis Blues. Both teams entered the NHL together as part of the second wave expansion after the Original Six when the Stars were the Minnesota North Stars in 1967-1968. After over fifty years, the teams have met in the playoffs a whopping fourteen times.

The most meetings Dallas has had with any team. Fun fact to cement the rivalry; to date, there have been eighty-seven fights in the history of the rivalry. The most fisticuffs the Stars have had with any other team.

Colorado Avalanche

Next up on the list; the Colorado Avalanche. These two rivals have met up five times in their current history with the Stars taking three out of five meetings.

With wins in 1999, 2000, and 2020 all decided in seven games. 2020 was decided in the second round while the other two years were in the West Finals The Avs took a pair of first-round matchups 2004, and 2006 in five games each 4-1.

Anaheim Ducks

We cannot forget about the history between the Anaheim Ducks and the Dallas Stars. These two bitter rivals were roommates in the Pacific division from 1999 to 2013. There have been three playoff matchups between the two teams. The Ducks took a second-round matchup in 2003, and a first-round matchup in 2014. Dallas bested Anaheim in a first-round matchup in 2008. When the Ducks were defending Stanley Cup champions. All three rounds were decided in six games. You have to admit though, Corey Perry was a nice addition to the Stars come the 2020 playoffs.

Nashville Predators

The lone team that will be in the same division with the Stars listed here for 2021; the Nashville Predators. Not as much history in this southern rivalry. But a playoff matchup (Stars won the series 4-2 in the 2019 first round), as well as an outdoor game, makes this newer rivalry more than worth mentioning.

San Jose Sharks

Here’s somewhat of a forgotten, but a longtime rival to Dallas; the San Jose Sharks. Pacific divisional rivals from 1999 to 2013. Three playoff matchup with the Stars winning all three of them (1998 first round 4-2, 2000 second round 4-1, and 2008 second round 4-2).

However, this hit here is what turned this into a heated rivalry back in the late 90s, and throughout the 2000s.

So, who is the biggest rival to the Dallas Stars?

Many people will say, St. Louis, Colorado, and Anaheim will get some nods too. Either way seeing the Stars in the same division with old foes is going to make for a fun ride. Plus the NHL going back to a more divisional-focused playoff picture.

Notable omissions here, first the Edmonton Oilers. Faced the Stars in the playoffs every year from 1997-2003 with only 2002 being the only exception where both teams missed the playoffs. Also the Minnesota Wild. With the obvious relocation of the Minnesota North Stars to Dallas in 1993. Been divisional rivals since 2013-2014, and met in the playoffs in the first round of 2016. The Stars prevailed four games to two.