The Penguins and the Rangers are rivals and have been for a long time. Over the years, the intensity has built up and the rivalry has gotten stronger. Pens fans will not soon forget the playoff game in New York when Adam Graves slashed Mario Lemieux and broke his wrist. The games are always intense whether in Pittsburgh or New York. Friday’s game was no different. There were some ugly incidents during the game.

Mark Messier, trying to fill his role as Captain, elbowed Darius Kasparitis several times, trying to goad Kaspar into fighting and get his own team motivated. Messier was assessed a double minor for roughing in addition to two minutes for elbowing. Messier, head and shoulders taller than Kaspar, still had his hands full, but should pick on somebody his own size!

Jaromir Jagr had no trouble picking on someone his size, perennial tough guy and enforcer, Rich Pilon. Jagr finally had enough of Pilon’s tormenting and threw some punches at him. Fortunately, Jagr didn’t take his gloves off, minimizing his chances of breaking his hand on Pilon’s helmet. Towards the end of the game, Matthew Barnaby took on Pilon in retaliation for what he did to Jagr.

After the final whistle blew, in one last skirmish before the players left the ice, Bob Boughner punched Petr Nedved while Nedved was on his knees. The punch resulted in a broken nose for Nedved and a promise to review the tape of the game by the officials. Nedved played last night against the Flyers, sporting a black eye and bruise and wearing a face shield.

Of course the most remarkable thing about Friday’s game was the beautiful goal by Jagr to start the scoring for the Pens. The rookie goalie, Holmquist, is probably still having nightmares seeing Jagr coming towards him! The second goal, scored by Straka on a pass from Jagr, was every bit as nice.

As the Pens added to the score, the Rangers became more frustrated and that’s when the play became nastier. The Rangers had not forgotten Jagr’s four goal assault on them just the week before either.

The players change on both teams over the years, but the memories remain and the rivalry persists.