Bruins fans will be forever appreciative for everything Zdeno Chara did for the team in his 14 years in Boston. They gave him a warm ovation in his first regular-season back in Boston with fans in attendance, and someday a packed house will give him a thunderous ovation when his No. 33 is raised to the rafters.
But right now he is with the enemy as his new team, the Capitals, battles his old one in the playoffs. And if you thought Bruins fans would go easier on Chara than other Capitals during this first-round series, think again.
He wasn't booed or anything during Game 3 at TD Garden Wednesday night -- a game Boston won 3-2 in double overtime -- but there were some noticeable jeers.
On a few occasions -- namely his first-period penalty, a big hit Chris Wagner landed on him, and a couple misplays at the offensive blue line -- the crowd responded with some cheers that seemed to get louder, not quieter, as they realized it was Chara at fault.
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy was asked about the crowd reactions to Chara on Thursday, and while he said he didn't pay much attention to it during the game, he thinks it epitomizes Bruins fans and their loyalty to the team.
"It means they're loyal to the crest, and he's wearing a different crest," Cassidy said. "That's the way I look at it. So good for them. We want them on our side. They're in our building. I'm sure it's all in sort of playoffs, no friends type of mentality.
"I know every hockey fan in the city of Boston, and beyond for that matter, has the ultimate respect for Z and what he's done for hockey, but he's got a Caps crest now and that's the enemy. That's the way I look at it. I did not hear it, but again, doesn't surprise me. Bruins fans are Bruins fans, exactly as we'd expect."
The whole weird experience of watching Chara face the Bruins in the playoffs might be summed up best by this photo from Getty Images of Chara skating off the ice as the Bruins celebrate Craig Smith's double-overtime winner:
The Bruins now lead the Capitals 2-1 in the series. Game 4 is set for Friday night in Boston at 6:30 p.m.
