NHL Playoffs 2011: Is Philadelphia Flyers' Mike Richards Most Hated in Playoffs?

Philadelphia Flyers star center Mike Richards always seems to make his presence known in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This year it may be for the wrong reasons, though.

Richards has quickly become a villain in Buffalo. First, he elbowed Sabres' Patrick Kaleta. After the hit, Richards spoke to the media and mentioned that he was frustrated with the officiating because the Sabres "got away with murder" during the game.

Then, during Game 6, Richards hit Sabres' Tim Connolly into the boards, injuring Connolly and sidelining him for Game Seven.

Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller called Richards out. "If Mike Richards thinks we're getting away with murder, I don't know what he just got away with. Mass murder?," Miller said.

Miller also said that the league needed to really examine the hit. Upon examination, the NHL determined that it did not warrant a suspension and did not even hold a hearing with Richards. 

The Courier Post covered Richards' response to the criticism. "I don't mind taking the heat and taking some pressure off people because I know it's my job. Some things (cut) right to the heart when people say things, but at the same time, I know the 22 guys in this dressing room are confident in my leadership and confident in the things I do on the ice and know that I'll do anything to win a hockey game." (Check out the link and NHL.com's coverage for the rest of what Richards had to say).

Richards' teammates aren't the only ones who understand what he's about. Bobby Clarke, one of the most respected figures in Flyers history, has his back too. Clarke said that people who criticize Richards are just jealous that they didn't draft him.

"This kid's a courageous warrior. Every team in the league would want this guy. And he's not dirty. It's not like he was trying to hurt Connolly the way Raffi Torres tried to hurt (Brent Seabrook)," Clarke said.

This is just another addition stirring the pot for Game Seven in Philadelphia tonight. Puck drops at 7:30.