It hardly seems possible that the season is already past the quarter point and longtime archrivals -- and upcoming Winter Classic opponents -- Philadelphia and New York are playing today for the first time in the regular season. The Flyers also have yet to play the Penguins, so there will be lots of wars to come over the rest of the season.

As I write this, the first period at Madison Square Garden just came to an end. The Rangers controlled the majority of the scoreless period, and there were two fights. Zac Rinaldo and Brandon Prust dropped the mitts off the opening faceoff. Prust later fought Sean Avery's fight for him, in going at it with Wayne Simmonds (don't forget that the Simmonds-Avery fuse was lit during the preseason).

For my money, while the Flyers-Rangers rivalry has always been a real good one, Philly's best recent rivalry has been with the Penguins. I also wouldn't call the Flyers' the most hated opponent of the Rangers, although obviously there's no love lost between the clubs.

The Buzz: If you had to choose, which two teams comprise the BEST rivalry in the NHL today? Also, who do you think is the most hated player leaguewide in the NHL today -- does Avery still hold that dubious distinction?

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