PITTSBURGH — The Philadelphia Flyers' general manager, Bobby Clarke, was Eddie Olczyk's favorite player when the Pittsburgh Penguins' coach was growing up.

Right now, Olczyk isn't as enamored with the coach of Clarke's team.

Olczyk took offense to Flyers head coach Ken Hitchcock's remarks about Penguins rookie phenom Sidney Crosby the day after the Penguins won in Philadelphia in overtime, 3-2.

Hitchcock told The Philadelphia Inquirer he did not notice Crosby on the ice during Wednesday's game, when Crosby had two goals and an assist. Hitchcock also implied that Crosby, the No. 1 overall draft pick this summer, was "diving" — embellishing falls to the ice after taking a hit.

"That's a lack of respect," Olczyk said. "Not only to me, but to our team. I expect more from Hitch when it comes to that stuff, saying he didn't notice a player on the ice.

"I know players have made comments about other players, and that's an accepted part of the game ... but when coaches start talking, that's a lack of respect for the players."

Consider the Penguins-Flyers rivalry back at the cantankerous heights it achieved in the past.

The two teams meet again Saturday night in Pittsburgh, and there could be repercussions for Philadelphia's 6-foot-5 defenseman Darien Hatcher, who twice caught Crosby with a stick to the 18-year-old's head. The first hit cut Crosby's lip and chipped three teeth; he was hit in the neck the second time.

The only penalty called on either play was to Crosby — for unsportsmanlike conduct, presumably for complaining to an official about the no-calls.

"I have a great respect for the Flyers organization," Olczyk said. "That's what makes this league great, the rivalries.

"It should make for interesting viewing (Saturday) night, that's for sure."

It will be the second of eight meetings between the Atlantic Division teams this season, the result of the new unbalanced schedule now in place.

Winger Mark Recchi has played for both teams, including taking part in head-to-head playoff series for each.

"Pittsburgh versus Philly has always been pretty heated," Recchi said.

Being an owner and player, Mario Lemieux is perhaps the only one on the ice who carries enough weight around the league to have his input taken seriously in matters such as scheduling.

"I think it's good for the game to play teams that often," said Lemieux, who missed Wednesday's game because of a stomach virus. "Especially when it's back-to-back games. I think there should be a lot more of those. ... Players certainly enjoy that, and the fans, too."

Lemieux also is one of the few men on the planet who can relate to Crosby, as a former No. 1 overall pick and anointed league savior two decades ago. Lemieux said the Penguins have to prevent the Flyers from "taking liberties" with their star player.

But Lemieux also said Crosby plays better when he is angry. That would mean he might have some of his best games against Philadelphia in a rivalry he already understands after just two games.

"It seems like there's something there," said Crosby, who had dental work done to repair his teeth Thursday. "I guess it makes it more exciting for the fans because there's a lot more buildup. And as players, you have to be prepared for an intense game."

Lemieux is questionable for Saturday's game because of the stomach virus, Olczyk said Friday.

Lemieux, 40, who has seven goals and 12 assists in 19 games this season, practiced Friday and participated in a filming of the NBC reality show "Three Wishes," where a young fan skated and posed for pictures with the Hall of Famer.

"I'm getting better," Lemieux said. "We will see how I feel at the skate (Saturday) morning."