The chara (he doesn't deserve capitalization after that cheap hit on MaxPax) controversy brought to light the appetite for violence and the ridiculous, almost caveman partisanship of certain sports fans. The delight and pride verging on mob bloodlust over the 'hockey play' was even more appalling than the shocking premeditated hit itself.
Certainly there are cretins on the Canadiens fan side, the Ole` Ole` idiots who start in the first period, the nitwits who picked on Brisebois and Roy etc. but the lunatics in Boston, in the media and on the team itself (thank you Recchi, Luchicken, chara et al) should be roundly criticized and have been. I doubt however they are capable of shame.
The shock jocks on Boston sports radio forget (or omit) what happened to their stars Savard and Bergeron (both French Canadian by the way). The ugly anti French Canadian, anti Canadian jingoism is particularly absurd - The Gardens crowd chanting "USA! USA!" as the Bruins ran up the score in the 7-0 regular season post-chara rout. Testosterone and xenophobia over good sportsmanship and even common sense. Pacioretty is American you complete nitwits! Canadiens have eight Yanks on their team, Bruins have two.
In summary, if you would rather glorify John Wensink, Scott Thornton and chara's vicious hit than Bobby Orr you're entitled to but you have all my pity. Last night was the ultimate up yours to goon hockey and your recent sad chest-beating. In the end, all you'll have is your bitterness.
Montreal leads the series 1-0. How do you like me now?
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