Oh yes, the rivalry lives on, the ill will between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens persists.
Milan Lucic was at the center of it yet again, particularly late in the third period of Thursday’s game between the two clubs in what was a rematch of last spring’s highly intense and emotional Eastern Conference semifinal.
Lucic, the Bruins power forward who is struggling to begin the season but added two assists Thursday, was called for boarding after he delivered a heavy hit on Alexei Emelin along the boards with 1:20 remaining in regulation and Boston down a goal.
The Bruins, losers in that second-round series against Montreal, lost this meeting by a final score of 6-4.
As he entered the penalty box, Lucic, already at odds with the call, gestured to the crowd behind the glass, including what appeared to be the lifting of an imaginary Stanley Cup.
My guess is Mike Murphy will want to speak with Lucic before deciding whether there's anything or not
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 17, 2014
I'd imagine Milan Lucic might be looking at a fine for gesture he made in the penalty box. I'd be stunned if league goes further than that
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) October 17, 2014
With Lucic in the sin bin, the Habs scored into the empty net, increasing their lead to two goals and, more importantly for them, securing two points.
Lucic, who said he was more concerned about getting the win rather than revenge against the Habs for what happened in the playoffs, was tossed after continuing to argue the call when he was let out of the box.
Now, this isn’t the first time a Boston player has lifted an imaginary Stanley Cup over their head while in the building of a rival.
Brad Marchand did the same thing last December, when the Bruins visited the Vancouver Canucks, the team Boston defeated to win the 2011 championship.