When a team from outside the Boston Bruins takes the ice at TD Garden, the Black and Gold supporters typically respond with a cacophony of jeers.
When the other team is one of the Bruins’ most illustrious rivals, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, or Montreal Canadiens, the heckles and jeers are much more obvious.
Before joining the Bruins in the offseason, James van Riemsdyk was a member of the Leafs and Flyers for the majority of his career, where he had to endure the bellows.
The fifteen-year veteran skated in just his second Boston Bruins vs. Canadiens game on Saturday night.
Being able to enter this building without being jeered is always more enjoyable. So that’s a nice beginning,” van Riemsdyk stated following the match. “Playing these rivalry games, Original Six matchups, Saturday night hockey is always enjoyable.”
Although the players are concentrated on winning and performing their part, van Riemsdyk revealed that his father gave him some advise before to the puck dropping.
Actually, before this one, my dad texted me. Simply taught me to savor these kinds of moments because that’s what matters most, van Riemsdyk said. Playing games like these is a lot of fun, and the building is filled with historical legends. These are enjoyable because the building has a lot of vitality.
Danton Heinen led the way with his first career hat trick as Boston easily defeated Montreal 9–4. Van Riemsdyk was among the sixteen skaters who scored throughout the match.
With one remaining game between the two teams on March 14 north of the border, the Bruins are 2-0-0 versus the Canadiens this season.