2. The Boston Bruins
This rivalry is a great example of “you aren’t our rival.” With Boston being one of the original six NHL teams, Boston has historic rivalries with Montreal, Toronto, and others. Some of you might even be thinking, Boston?? Really??
Yes really. True Caniacs that have stuck with our boys through thick and thin will agree with this take. 06′ was a magical year, and the Canes were still hot for years after than going into the 09′ playoff run. Then when the world needed them most, they vanished. Putting together 10 years of sub par hockey records before finally finding the playoffs last season.
Those 10 years were not only rough on the records but on the fans at PNC arena. During that time span we saw our beloved home arena, once voted loudest house in the NHL, turn into a home game for the visiting team. It seemed every game there were chants for the visiting team, and no team had more loud and proud fans in PNC than the Bruins. As a fan base at that point there wasn’t any leverage to silence the noise.
Until 2019. The underdog Canes made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals against non other than the Bruins. Only to get swept.
A very bitter taste indeed, especially getting shut out at home in the final game of the series sweep. All the while when visiting Boston, or beloved Canes blue liner Dougie Hamilton was boo’ed often, as he used to play for the Bruins. Nobody messes with Svechnikov’s big brother!
This loss still hurts, and you better bet it hurts the guys as well. December third felt like a playoff game, and while the guys couldn’t find the Bruins number this last go round, they want it. It was a hard fought and very physical game. Expect this from now on in this rivalry.