Rivalries...The Backbone of the NHL (Pt.5) | 
I decided that I would take a different approach and go with my top-five player rivalries for this season. Although I’m shocked that no one has written about the battle of Alberta yet. Without further ado here are the five most import player rivalries to keep your eyes on this season.
5 - Thornton vs Getzlaf
This one really took place last season during the playoffs. Two seconds into game six of the first-round series, Getzlaf and Thornton went toe-to-toe in a fight that last around 30 seconds. It was a positive sign from Thornton after having his hear and desire questioned constantly. Thornton won the fight but lost the game and the series. Now Getzlaf is going to steal Thornton’s spot on team Canada’s Olympic roster. These two play in the same division in the same state. You can bet there are going to be some heated battles between these two as they compete for points and the right to wear the Maple Leaf. Their next chance to battle is Nov. 21 in Anaheim.
4 – Ovechkin vs Malkin
These two were selected one-two in the ’04 draft. They have played together on countless Russian international teams and will once again be together this February. There has been a feud between these two former friends for over two years now. It all stems from an incident between Malkin’s agent and Ovechkin. The two made amends for the All-Star game but don’t think that that means they like each other again. They have been two of the top players in the NHL and they desperately want to be the best. Ovechkin is the more physical one and has taken some runs at Malkin. But, Malkin has not shied away from hitting, when it involves his fellow countryman. The rivalry intensified once again during the playoff last year and when Ovechkin narrowly edged Malkin for the Hart trophy. We will have to wait until January 21 to see these two superstars square off again.
3 – Crosby vs Richards
They have represented team Canada together on three separate occasions, twice in the world juniors and once during the world championships. They will most likely been on the same ice this February in the Olympics as well. However, that doesn’t mean Mike Richards and Sidney Crosby get along. They have met in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons with Crosby’s Penguins winning both times. They almost fought in the playoffs two seasons ago but the refs stepped in before anything could happen. They are both young captains of their teams and both are extremely competitive. It’s that competitiveness that fuels the rivalry between these two. They play different styles and that’s why the match up so often. Crosby plays the offense and Richards the defense. Now they have both improved in the opposite zones but neither can match the other. On top of that their respective teams are considered frontrunners for tops in the conference and most likely another playoff matchup. They will meet again tomorrow.
2 – Komisarek vs Lucic
“Looch” as they refer to him in Boston is a killing machine. The guy pummels everyone he faces. What’s even more impressive is he’s only 21-years-old. Komisarek on the other hand has six years and 17-pounds on Looch. They’re both considered bangers although Komisarek isn’t as known for his fighting. He fought five times in ’07-’08 winning four of them and fought just once last year during the regular season and once in the playoffs. Both fights were against Lucic. Both fights were no contest. Lucic absolutely destroyed Komisarek in the first fight and the second fight lasted just one punch, again Lucic taking the decision. This season Lucic is still a Bruin with a fat new contract and Komisarek is still in the Northeast just with the Blue and White now. With Burke as his ne GM Komisarek will be expected to be tough and to win his battles, especially those against the Bruins and Milan Lucic. Their next meeting isn’t until Dec. 5 in Boston.
1 – Avery vs “The NHL”
Sean Avery does something every year to piss someone off. Last season he was run out of Dallas after making remarks about his ex-girlfriends. Dallas used Avery to be their scapegoat. Two years ago the NHL had to make a rule because of Avery’s antics during the playoffs against Martin Brodeur. He has been voted the most hated man in the NHL and that suits him just fine. Avery is an effective player when he stays within the rules of the game and that’s why he found a home back in NY last year. The man that once had an internship at Vogue magazine will no doubt do something so foolish this year the NHL will be left scratching their heads. And, I can’t wait to see what he can come up with this year. The man puts on a show whether you like him or not when he’s in the news everyone follows him.
Topics: Alex Ovechkin, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Evgeni Malkin, Joe Thornton, Mike Komisarek, Mike Richards, Milan Lucic, New York Rangers, NHL Rivalries 2009-10, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ryan Getzlaf, San Jose Sharks, Sean Avery, Sidney Crosby, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals
Latest Headlines
- ACC Home to 2011 Top Prospects Game
- Kovalchuk Deal Finalized; Details Trickling In
- Super Series’ host cities announced
- Chiefs Set To Take On Ice, Outdoors
- Team White Defeats Team Red in Canadian U-20 Intra-squad Game
- Team Canada Development Camp Roster
- Tyler Seguin signs 3-year entry level contract
- 2nd Annual TFP Charity Golf Tournament
- *UPDATED* The NHL’s Top 2010 UFA’s
- Free Fallin’ By Cam Fowler
- Welcome To The Panthers, Erik Gudbranson
- Taylor/Tyler Debate Over. For Now
- OIH 2010 Mock Draft
- Inside Look At Tyler vs. Taylor
- Ovechkin Wins Players’ MVP Again
In The News
NHL 2010 Award Winners Announced
Henrik Sedin and Ryan Miller were the big winners with two awards each
Pre-NHL Award Selections
OIH makes their consensus picks on tonight's NHL Awards live from Las Vegas
Player Development: A Turning Point in Leafs History
Newly named captain, Dion Phaneuf, will be involved in helping groom some of the younger players on the roster to reach their potential
The Strangest Stanley Cup Ending Ever?
As Kane skated his way towards Niemi with his hands raised in celebration, the hockey world was left pondering what just happened.
Ovechkins a monster! As far as i’m concerned, Malkin is good, but not Ovechkin good! Ya, maybe Malkin makes some good plays, scores some nice goals, but Ovie, he does EVERYTHING! Seriously THEE best NHLer i’ve seen in a LONG time! It’s gonna be scary for Canada in Feb, having to face Russia. Lucic,*rolls eyes* nough’ said. Komisarek, used to like him, but since he’s playin for a peewee team now, he looks peewee, even with his “awesome” partner who can’t seem to stop anyone or thing that comes near him! Guess that happens to good guys when they put on the ol’ “blue and white!” Sindy “Crybaby” Crosby should just keep selling his gatorade – WAY overrated! Avery is a sorry excuse for a hockey player, and should seriously just give it up and join the circus! – never to be heard of again. Joe and Ryan i can agree with. Either way, nice article, now could you do me a favour and write something on how american hockey commentators are just awful.. haha!