Prior to the game, neither team was willing to admit that this is a rivalry, but the way this game unfolded it was clear there was no love lost between Columbus and Pittsburgh.
Normally in these recaps I frame the game through the scoring plays, but it’s more fitting that I highlight the fights and other penalties.
The first occurrence was late in the first period. Noted goon Ryan Reaves - acquired by Pittsburgh not because he’s a good player but rather to add some “physicality” to their game - made a hard check on Markus Hannikainen.