Reaves and Kane Renew Rivalry as Sharks Face Canucks

The longstanding rivalry between the San Jose Sharks and the Vegas Golden Knights reignites as the Sharks prepare to face the Vancouver Canucks on March 15, 2024. This matchup features a renewed confrontation between forwards Ryan Reaves and Evander Kane, who have a history of physical and verbal clashes dating back to their days in previous teams.

The tension escalated during the playoffs when the two teams met in consecutive years, creating memorable moments both on and off the ice. Reaves, now playing for the Sharks, expressed that his feelings toward Kane remain unchanged, despite Kane’s recent trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Vancouver Canucks.

Reaves noted that the animosity began when Kane joined the Buffalo Sabres in 2015. “I don’t think we’ve ever really liked each other on the ice,” Reaves said, reflecting on their competitive history. “That doesn’t just stem back to San Jose. I think it goes back to when I was in St. Louis, he was in Buffalo, and we just never really got along.”

The rivalry intensified during the playoff battle in 2018 when the Golden Knights defeated the Sharks in a heated six-game series. The following year, the Sharks turned the tide, overcoming Vegas in a dramatic seven-game series, highlighted by Barclay Goodrow‘s overtime goal in Game 7.

During the 2019 playoffs, Kane and Reaves exchanged barbs, culminating in a physical altercation during Game 3. Kane famously referred to Reaves as the “muffin man” regarding his fighting style. The incident drew comments from then-Sharks center Joe Thornton, who remarked on the surprising matchup, stating, “It was tough to see Ryan go down like that versus a 30-goal scorer, but hopefully he’ll have better luck next time.”

Reaves expressed his frustration with a controversial hit Thornton delivered to Golden Knights forward Tomas Nosek. He criticized the hit as “gutless,” emphasizing the need for player safety in the league. “It’s everything you’re trying to get rid of in hockey,” Reaves stated.

The situation further escalated when Thornton received a one-game suspension for the hit. In response to Reaves’ comments, Kane defended Thornton, suggesting that Reaves lacked hockey knowledge. “To chirp Jumbo’s vision — the guy has over 1,000 assists — that doesn’t seem too bright,” Kane remarked, questioning Reaves’ understanding of the game.

As fans anticipate the upcoming match, Reaves continues to use the “Muffin Man” as his avatar on social media, a reminder of the rivalry’s playful yet intense nature. Despite the passage of time, the competitive spirit between the two players remains palpable.

“I remember I was very mad,” Reaves recalled regarding their past encounters. “I fought very angry, which I don’t usually do.”

As the Sharks and Canucks prepare to take the ice, all eyes will be on the renewed rivalry, showcasing the fierce competition that defines the NHL. With both players eager to assert their dominance, this matchup promises to deliver the excitement fans have come to expect from these high-stakes encounters.