Not only did that series pour gas on the flames that is the rivalry between the Habs and Sens, but created a hatred between the clubs and their fan bases.

That spark, at least so far, has not been ignited in the same manner.  From an Ottawa perspective, most of the hatred that I have heard has been directed at CBC’s coverage of the series or the officiating that has been sub-par.

May 14, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tomas Vokoun (92) makes a save against Ottawa Senators right wing Chris Neil (25) as defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) and left wing Matt Cooke (24) defend during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, there is the omni-present distaste for Sidney Crosby that bubbles forever just below the surface, but not really the hatred along the lines of the Montreal hatred that sprung up a couple of weeks ago.  The Matt Cooke factor is still present, and his high stick to the face of Erik Karlsson raised the ire of Senators fans but the Sens have kept their emotions in check.

The verbal jabs seem to have started in the wake of Brooks Orpik shoving an off-balance Chris Neil into the end boards late in Sunday’s Ottawa victory.  While Neil didn’t come back, he practiced Tuesday and had some words after practice for the incident:

If he was in that situation I probably wouldn’t have shoved him there..so..but…you know, it is what it is.  That’s, you know,  the way he plays.  He plays a physical game and I don’t expect anything less from him.

 

When asked for a response, Orpik had some choice words of his own:

My response is that was very laughable, coming from him. Everybody knows how he plays and he is out there to agitate and I don’t have much to say about it.  He gets away with a lot, lets put it that way.

 

So, while not exactly calling “disrespect” or “bug-eyed, fat walrus”, the emotions might be starting to simmer.  Quite frankly, with this being the 4th time in the last 7 seasons, I am surprised that it hasn’t become more of a rivalry.   There is still time, and if Ottawa can make it a best of 3 with a win on Wednesday, then the hate might just come to the surface as the Penguins may get frustrated at having the first and second rounds both go at least 6 games.

1st Seed – Eastern Conference

AT

7th Seed – Eastern Conferen

Pittsburgh Leads Series 2-0

Puck Drop: 7:30 PM EST

TV: CBC, Radio: Team 1200

HEAD TO HEAD

The series has been a showcase of poor goaltending so far. Robin Lehner came in to Game 2 and provided some solidity for the Senators, but between Craig Anderson and Tomas Vokoun there hasn’t been anything to write home about. Sidney Crosby, after being silent in Game 1, lit the lamp repeatedly in Game 2, taking an early hat trick and running away with the game.

May 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tomas Vokoun (92) makes a save as defenseman Paul Martin (middle) clears Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) from getting a rebound during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

KEY PLAYERS

Chris Neil – OTT - Neil has been playing like a man possessed out on the ice in the last 2 games. After a poor penalty in game 2, Neil turned his game around and spent all his time in the dirty areas mucking around. The team needs more of this to win games, and expect Neil to keep leading by example.

Jarome Iginla – PIT - Iggy has been silent this series. A big hit in Game 1 wiped him out of that game, and big saves in Game 2 took the wind out of his sails. It’s not like Iggy to be quite for long, so chances are tonight he is going to be extremely dangerous.

TOP 3 STORYLINES

1. The Return of the Spez. Jason Spezza is drawing into the lineup for the first time since aggravating his bad back early in the year and losing the season to surgery. Even with Spezza playing at 50%, the spike he brings to the teams adrenaline should be a spark for the whole team. If the Senators can actually draw penalties in this game, look for Spezza to settle back in to his home.

2. Discipline. Ottawa learned last game the dangers of being overly aggressive. The officiating was subpar on both sides last game and is something Ottawa has to look at and use to their advantage. The Penguins Power Play is simply too dangerous. Limit their time on the ice, and limit the damage they can do. Simple as that.

3. Play the whole game. Ottawa has come out beyond slow the first two games of this series. They’ve seemed tired, and shocked by the crowd. They can’t do that on their home ice. They need to attack strong and take the first lead they’ve had all series. They had a strong finish to game 2, they need to keep that momentum going forward.

PARTING SHOT

No joke psychic predictions here, Ottawa is in dire straits. A 2-0 deficit is difficult to overcome, but Ottawa has fought back all year