NHL Playoffs: Montreal Fans Invade Boston

It was just another day at the office for me, well, in the kitchen that is.

I travel 36 miles to Boston. Hop on I-93, park at the Government Center Parking garage and walk a few blocks down Merrimac St. to my job. It happens to be a small boutique hotel, with 79 rooms that is just a short pitching-wedge away from the TD BankNorth Garden.

First order of business.

Check the occupancy rate of the hotel. The past three days have been at 100 percent, and nearly 50 percent of those rooms were filled with Canadiens fans, who traveled the 300-plus mile journey from Montreal, by means of Canadian tour buses.

I was absolutely amazed to see the number of red-shirt Montreal fans, swarming around the historical Bulfinch Triangle District of Boston.

Today before the game, the die-hard Montreal fans were pre-gaming in fashion. They were tailgating in the three open parking lots directly behind my kitchen door. Their grills were smoking, chowing down on who-knows-what and chugging down Molsons and Labatts three hours before game-time.

Sure there were a handful of drunk and annoying fans, but heck, it's hockey! 

So, what's my point here?

I think it's absolutely amazing, and wonderful to see such a following of loyal hockey fans. Granted, I am a Boston Beantown homer, and it was a little uneasy to see the most hated rival fans out-and-about, but it was also one of the coolest sights. It almost felt like it was the 1990s again.

I think the NHL needs this, and a lot more of it. Keeping the rivalry alive with the no-nonsense faithful fans, who make the long-hike over the weekend and into the work week to support their hometown team.

The two "original-six" teams went at it tonight, and the Montreal fans made sure that everyone on the streets knew who won after the game. And although it was a tough pill to swallow to hear about the Black and Gold losing a nail-biter, the bigger picture actually made it somewhat bearable.

It was good clean fun. No major incidents, just a whole lot of trash-talking. So to all the Montreal fans that made the trip, I hope to see you again next year!