Evander Kane: Rivalry with Reaves 'makes it entertaining for fans'

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane and Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves haven't been shy about their hatred for one another over the last couple of seasons, but Kane believes their feud is ultimately good for the game.

"I think our rivalry started when I moved to San Jose and it was part of the Vegas-San Jose rivalry ... It's fun, I enjoy it. I think it makes it entertaining for fans," Kane told Sportsnet's Gene Principe. "I think you need more of that in hockey, especially when you talk about the playoffs, right?

"To have that type of hatred between not just the teams, but the organizations, players, coaches. Some of it plays out in the media, some of it doesn't."

The two have exchanged jabs both on and off the ice ever since Kane arrived in San Jose in February 2018. The two took their rivalry to another level in last year's first-round playoff matchup between the Sharks and Golden Knights, going at it all series long.

Some of the most memorable moments in their rivalry include their first fight in Game 3 of that postseason series, Kane calling Reaves the "Muffin Man," and Reaves taking a jab at Kane while officiating a wedding in Vegas.

Despite the bad blood, Kane is proud of what he and Reaves have been able to contribute to the entertainment value of games between their teams.

"Obviously, you watch the on-ice product and it made - for my money - the most entertaining series last year, by far," Kane said. "It was fun to be a part of, they're a great team."

Kane, 28, has racked up 946 penalty minutes in 713 career games while the 33-year-old Reaves has amassed 910 penalty minutes in 649 contests.