Exploring the Deep-Seated Grudges in Canadiens History

This weekend, the NHL’s account on X ignited a lively discussion among fans, prompting them to share their pettiest hockey grudges. Many chimed in to assert that there are no such things as petty grudges in hockey; all grudges hold significance. In Montreal, where hockey is revered, this sentiment resonates deeply. Here, we delve into the five most significant grudges in the storied history of the Montreal Canadiens.

One of the most infamous incidents occurred on March 13, 1955, during a game against the Boston Bruins. As the Canadiens were on a power play, Maurice “Rocket” Richard was high-sticked, leading to a delayed penalty call. When the Bruins touched the puck, Richard sought retribution against Hal Laycoe. In a moment of fury, he struck linesman Cliff Thompson while being restrained. The ensuing disciplinary hearing resulted in NHL President Colin Campbell suspending Richard for the remainder of the season and playoffs, a decision that sparked outrage in Montreal.

On March 17, 1955, when Campbell attended a game between the Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings, the tension boiled over into what became known as the “Richard Riot.” Fans expressed their anger by assaulting Campbell, throwing objects, and even hitting him with a tomato. The chaos escalated to the point where tear gas was deployed, leading to the evacuation of the arena and a forfeit of the game by the Canadiens. Many fans believed Richard’s suspension was rooted in his identity as a French-Canadian, igniting a cultural firestorm that marked the beginning of the Quiet Revolution in Quebec.

The following day, Richard took to the airwaves, urging fans to support the team rather than protest his suspension. While fans complied, they did not forget the slight. When teammate Bernard “Boom Boom” Geoffrion passed Richard in the scoring race, the crowd responded with boos, a clear signal that the grudge lingered.

Fast forward to December 2, 1995, when rookie coach Mario Tremblay made a controversial decision that would haunt him for years. He left superstar goaltender Patrick Roy in net during a disastrous game against the Red Wings, where Roy allowed nine goals on 26 shots. The home crowd’s boos echoed through the arena, and once Roy was finally pulled, he informed team president Ronald Corey that he had played his last game in Montreal. The subsequent trade of Roy to the Colorado Avalanche for minimal return is one of the worst in Canadiens history and has left many fans holding a grudge against both Tremblay and GM Rejean Houle.

In 2010, the playoffs were defined by the remarkable performances of goaltender Jaroslav Halak. After leading the Canadiens to a shocking Eastern Conference Final, Halak became a fan favorite. However, in a surprising move, GM Pierre Gauthier traded him to the St. Louis Blues, opting to bet on Carey Price’s future instead. The return from St. Louis was seen as inadequate, fueling resentment among fans who felt betrayed by the decision to part with their playoff hero.

Another significant grudge emerged when Zdeno Chara of the Bruins delivered a brutal hit on Max Pacioretty, sending him crashing into the glass. The Bell Centre fell silent as Pacioretty lay unconscious on the ice, raising fears for his health and career. Chara became a target of disdain for Canadiens fans, who have never forgiven him for that moment. Every time Chara touches the puck in Montreal, he is met with a chorus of boos.

Lastly, the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs saw goaltender Carey Price in peak form, leading the Canadiens to an impressive start. However, in the Eastern Conference Final against the New York Rangers, Price was injured after a collision with Chris Kreider, an incident that still stirs controversy. Canadiens fans believe Kreider intentionally targeted Price, while Rangers fans argue it was a mere accident. To this day, Kreider, now with the Anaheim Ducks, is booed relentlessly in Montreal, a testament to the enduring grudge.

While Price himself downplayed the incident in a recent interview, stating he doesn’t hold a grudge against Kreider, the sentiment among Canadiens fans remains strong. These grudges, steeped in history and emotion, continue to fuel the passionate rivalry and deep-rooted loyalty that defines the Montreal Canadiens.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.