The anticipation is over. And we are not talking UFC 116 Betting.

Less than two weeks ago, Boston Bruins’ center Marc Savard was taken off the ice on a stretcher late in the third period of a 2-1 loss in Pittsburgh, after being taken out with a blindside hit to the head by Penguins’ winger Matt Cooke.

Tonight the teams meet for the first time since the incident.

Savard doesn’t remember what happened on the play, or even in the period after suffering a grade two-concussion that has prematurely ended his season. The Bruins’ star pivot is an integral part of a team locked in a race for the postseason, currently holding the eighth and final playoff spot.

Cooke did not receive a suspension for the hit since according to the league it did not violate any existing rule. The decision was not received well by Boston players who felt that the repeat-offender should have received harsh punishment for succeeding in his attempt to injure the 32-year old.

Although the Bruins’ focus for tonight’s game, which could also be a potential first round playoff contest, will be the pursuit of two points in its quest to clinch a spot in this years postseason, the main storyline will be how the team reacts in the first game between the teams since the incident.

With Shawn Thornton, Steve Begin, and the massive Zdeno Chara all, willing combatants, the sports betting odds say Cooke will be called out.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will be on hand, a testament to the projected tensions.