Leafs, Sens say “rivalry” growing tired

The Senators' Chris Neil and Leafs' Wade
Belak just going through the motions.

Blair Charbonneau, Hockey Net

TORONTO — Both Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators’ players expressed today that the rivalry between them has run its course and they’re tired of being pigeonholed as bitter enemies by the media.

“We’re sick of everyone telling us how to feel and we’re not going to put up with this facade any longer," revealed Senators defenceman Chris Phillips.

At one time, the Leafs and Senators shared one of the most intense rivalries in sports, which stemmed from four consecutive Senators playoff defeats at the hands of their Ontario nemeses. Entire cities were pitted against each other as the Senators and Leafs battled throughout the decade and fans mercilessly jeered on. However, despite the NHL and media perception, the players say the animosity is over.

“We’re tired of conforming to societal expectations. It’s time to take a stand and say no. We refuse to be vilified and cast as mere archetypes,” stated Leafs forward Colby Armstrong.

With most of the original rivalry era players either deceased or crippled, Leafs and Sens players believe the history is gone and the NHL is fooling themselves, and fans, by continuing to hype a war long-forgotten by both sides. Sens’ captain Daniel Alfreddson spoke out,

A similar sentiment was echoed on the other side of the fence,

The truth is I have friends who are Senators, they are exemplary role-models. I strive to be like them, and when dark days are upon me, I ask myself, ‘what would Fisher do?’" admitted Leafs’ defenceman Mike Komisarek.

Both teams can try to shake their labels tonight in Toronto.