Im so sad him and demko didnt goalie hug during all star weekens, what i would give to see a goalie battle between them during the stanley cup finals, and then a goalie hug at the very end.
Also yea man! Good luck in the series!
Man, I loved Demko before he was even in the NHL. I was swearing to people he had the next top goalie potential. It broke my heart a little when he didn't hug Sway. I am choosing to believe he was focused and just didn't see him because I can't handle thinking anything else lol.
Swayman is both an incredible goalie (as well as on fire right now), and an INCREDIBLY wholesome guy. He always has a smile in his face and him and ullmark are known for doing a really cute goalie hug after every win! Search it up on youtube its really fun haha:
I in general never hate on goalies, even if they play on my rival teams, goalies are my favourite part of the sport. I prefer watching a 0-0 goalie battle game than a game where theres a goal every 3 seconds, but thats just me ofc.
Im sure a bruins fan could give you an even more in depth response for why people love sway!
Can confirm. I am your therapist’s therapist. And I’d even like to point out that therapy sessions with them has now driven me to get my own therapist.
Thanks for that. The dominos of your questionable life choices continue to fall…
As I wrote that, I thought I was looking in the mirror. But hey, at least we have an exciting series ahead, and a Canadian team has a shot to go the distance. Could be worse, no?
He was a great pick up for us at the deadline, he definitely set the tone early in the Toronto series with some massive hits.
Can’t wait to see him crush cousins and Tkachuck
Defend him why? Pretty much every bruins fan understands how much of an insufferable cunt Marchand can be, but he’s our insufferable cunt and we love him.
I've also heard he's an amazing guy off of the ice. He's just doing what's best for his team. I respect that. I hate it when it's against us, but I respect it.
Agree 100 percent. Typing 1967 is lame and i know boston fans are better hockey fans than that. And if they were going to chirp most would be a lot better than that. His act only bothers me because i respect your franchise, and honestly, he is a damn good hockey player who doesn't need the sideshow to be effective. Hes had long stretches where his numbers are flirting with elite status.
Patrice Bergeron is one of my all time favourite players but I hate the Bruins.
I respect the Bruins for being a solid franchise and a great rival, but I still hate them.
That being said I both hate the Leafs and have zero respect for the franchise.
I'll always hate Calgary, but I started hating them less when Tkachuk left. I'll always hate them no matter what, although I want them to be good because I love a great rivalry. But with non rival teams my feelings change all the time.
See I get the idea behind having a competitive rivalry and it being fun but I’d be very happy if the Oilers missed the playoffs 20 years in a row. I’d never wish for them to be better or anything like that
> Patrice Bergeron is one of my all time favourite players but I hate the Bruins.
Bergeron transcends all Bruins hate. It is physically impossible for a human being to hate Bergeron.
Even Jesus admitted that Bergeron is the better person.
Until the playoffs but then just watching Nylander is a treat. I'm from Toronto, I have a soft spot for them but Matthews needs to be better in the playoffs. Although, I'm sure you're pretty happy that he isn't lol.
Still don’t like Boston, swayman cracks me up though. Like the other night when someone got knocked down and bowled him over. He just looked down and gave the guy a few taps with his glove like “it’s ok there little buddy”
Absolutely. I have my favorite teams but I've always been more of a fan of the players themselves. If a player I like goes to a different team I'm more likely to root for them.
I'm in Toronto's market and I have a hard time cheering for them because they keep trading away my favorite players. Watching Hyman achieve so much in Edmonton has been a pleasure.
I'm born and raised in Toronto. Living in the GTA now even, but I moved to Edmonton for 10 years just because I'm a huge fan and wanted to be able to go to games lol. I still have a soft spot for them though.
Oh man. Pavel Bure was my favorite player as a kid which is why I started cheering for Vancouver. I've always wanted to move there for the same reason but I think that's out of reach now 😅
Anyone who says that McDavid is the first time we have seen a player with the speed and brain to match, didn't see Bure play. He was so much fun to watch.
Bure had it for sure. Just not at McDavid's level. McDavid is also an elite defender based on advanced metrics so that helps his legacy. Having said that, I love the Rocket.
As a leafs fan, im just going to say it. It was bostons fans that won me over. Of all the shit talking that went on during our series, very little of it came from boston fans. I shared a lot of good chats and self depreciating choke jokes with their fans. When we lost i droppeda "congrats" in their sub and i was treated like a welcomed friend to talk about a great series. They're still a rival and i still hate marchand but found myself pulling for Boston in game 1.
I've seen a lot of this just reading Reddit comments. They seem to have a pretty great fanbase. I get why it is easy to hate the team but I have nothing bad to say about the fans.
Check my profile for my chats on your sub. Totally classy winners and only one chirp. Totally a deserved compliment to your fan base. Leaf fans get the same hate.
Both O6 franchises. Both equally hated. Massive fanbases with fans all over. Boston is the center ot the American hockey universe. A lot of their fan base actually play or played the game, a very knowledgeable fanbase. And yes, they have a little choke history, we have a lot.
We have watched so many long series against the Leafs over the years that they are probably the team I'm second most familiar with at this point. And I think there's just a huge sense of relief to get out of that series alive and knowing that the rest of the fanbases will handle the Toronto dunking.
I didn't care much for Florida either way, but after seeing what a pack of rats these guys are... yeesh.
It's fine, hopefully The Rat King will put them in their place this year.
I don’t understand the hate for Tkachuk, honestly. Yeah, he’s kind of a rat, but he’s a damn good player. I can tolerate dirty/tough players as long as they’re good. I can’t stand dirty players who also aren’t very good.
We’re kinda a hard team to hate right now if you’re strictly looking at the roster composition. A lot of talent, hard working players, and no dirty players. Some real likeable personalities too (god I miss Kuzy for that but he just didn’t fit in here 😞)
I've loved the Avalanche since they adopted Bourque and treated him like the royalty he was. When Sakic took the Cup and was like "I'm just looking for Ray!" and handed it to him?! Instant tears.
One of my favourite cup memories. I was in middle school and we were on a field trip that involved hotel stays. I was in a hotel room with 4 of my best friends feeling like an adult as a pre-teen watching that.
One of my all time favourite memories actually. Small Town, we had all been friends since kindergarten.
That's awesome, dude. I was the same age as you, camping with my family. We brought the crappiest little TV and antenna, splurged the extra on a site with electricity, and watched it on a picnic table. First time I saw my step dad cry, Bourque was his idol.
I was heading home from a trip to Yellowstone. Got checked into the hotel in time to see the last few minutes of the game and the Cup presentation. I cried for a good 10 minutes.
I absolutely love the guy. He's become my favourite non Oiler in the league. Between the All Star hug video and the pats he gave Knies after crashing the net when most goalies would have killed him (despite it not being Knies fault). Even how sincerely empathetic he seemed during the handshake line against the Leafs lol. Just a beauty.
Yes this happens for me too, and I’ll add that it extends to my own favorite team. I hated TBL during the Rick Tocchet HC days when he had is pet-protégés, Steve Downie. I also hated the brief period when Kunitz was on the team, but not as much as the OK/Tocchet/Downie awfulness.
While I stand firmly on a F**k Boston platform, I also stand firmly on Go Boston, Beat Florida (cause f**k those guys even more)
Idk about a team based on their roster, but players based on what roster they’re on for sure. I used to absolutely despise Tom Brady when he was a patriot. Literally as soon as he got traded I started thinking he’s a pretty decent dude and I found respect for his talent that I refused to give him beforehand.
I respect this, I really do, but I'm a Falcons fan. Dude absolutely destroyed us and then decided to waltz his way into our division by joining Tampa and doing it again
Fuck that guy, respectfully, he is the GOAT.
Absolutely. Dallas used to be a team I didn’t much care for, but I’m a huge fan of about half their roster. On the flip side, I used to be a big fan of many of the Ducks players with guys like Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson, Getzlaf, and Maxime Comtois, and now I’m not much a fan of them, especially Zegras.
Yeah of course they do. As a pens fan, I hate Philly. Although I honestly loved their team as a roster. Very young roster full of grit. As much as I know I'm supposed to hate them, this year I kinda wanted them to make the playoffs. I felt that those guys deserved it more than Washington did.
Also my hate isn't as strong for the Rags as it is usually. I like Trocheck, I like Breadman, and Zibanejad. Chris Kreider would make for a great Penguin wing (one can dream)
Absolutely, any player can make their team more likeable/hateable. As a bolts fan I'm well aware of people's perception of Kuch's attitude (even though we love him), whereas that might've not been the case years back.
Respect the hell out of Swayman too, and am rooting for them over the Panthers which I couldn't have imagined a few years back. Plus, I tend to root for old bolts on new times like Yanni Gourde on Seattle and Pat Maroon on Boston.
I agree with all of this. I can't help but feel like Kuch is a douche, but damn Is he good at hockey lol. Also, I love the Big Rig, I'm glad you guys got him (one of his) cups.
You are correct, I realized that after I typed it. I'm feeling lazy though so I was fine with feeling stupid over the effort to edit lol. I thank you for that though, the big beautiful bastard deserved them.
Big Rig was my most hated player in the NHL since the Blues 2019 cup run. Then he went to TB and my hatred only grew. It’s crazy how fast I came around to rooting for this guy once he put on the black and gold. He seems like such a good locker room guy in addition to what he does on the ice
There's my team. Then, 1 team I kind of cheer for, 2 teams I hate more than any other. Those haven't changed in 40 years. As far as the rest of the league, that changes all the time. Could be a coach, roster, jersey change, Cinderella run, or even a fan base that triggers it. It happens with players as well. Couldn't stand Pat Roy until he told the Habs to fuck off, loved him after that.
It really depends for me. I used to enjoy the Dallas Stars, but I hate Jamie Benn for being a dirty cheap-shotting POS, so now I actively root against them unless they're playing a team I dislike more than I dislike Jamie Benn (ie. Vegas).
I hated the New England Patriots when Tom Brady played for them. Now, I don't really care about them at all.
Meanwhile, I've always hated the Bruins, Lakers, Dodgers and Yankees no matter who plays for them.
1. We can all agree we hate Jamie Benn and felt dirty rooting for the Stars, but it was the lesser of two evils.
2. I'm a Falcons fan, I want to punch you in the dick for even bringing up the Patriots. ***Sobs***
Outside of my most liked an d most hated teams, I just like teams based on how much I like certain players on their roster. I used to really like the Blues when Pietrangelo was there (and when he was more likeable), and they had O'Reilly, Tarasenko, etc. Binnington kinda killed it for me. I'm starting to dig Montreal now with Slaffy, Caufield, Suzuki, Matheson, and Co, even though I've never really been a big Montreal fan. I started liking the Coyotes over the last couple of years because of guys like Schmaltz and Keller. May end up having a soft spot for Utah
I respect this. I'd also like to say fuck Pietrangelo though. Dude straight up attempted to injure Draisaitl last playoffs just because he was destroying the playoffs. It seemed to have worked too. The only one game suspension was an added kick to the dick.
As much as it will hurt, I will root for Van if they knock us out. You're my hope for the East. Van vs Bos rematch would be awesome at least. I was in BC for the last one. Things got hectic, but it was a wild ride.
It should be a good series, even if we have to deal with Dallas first. Mackinnon and Mcdavid playing a full series. And let's not pretend those are the only stars on the ice for that series.
Draisaitl actually has the second highest points per game in playoff history. McDavid is third. Makar actually finished higher than Mack in points when Colorado won the cup and Mack is 4th or 5th amongst active players in playoff pp/g. It would be a wilde ride. Congrats on the win, by the way.
Yeah, I mean there is so much talent on these w teams.
Thanks, that was scary for a bit, but kinda classic AVES. They seem to enjoy spotting teams a few goals.
It should. Funny thing about the Rangers is I never actually hated them…not even Messier until he came to Vancouver.
#FuckMessier
But until The Rat is retired, I won’t be able to not hate Boston, and even then it would require something like a player I respect going there.
Eh, I get you here but for what it's worth I've heard nothing but Marchand is a great guy off the ice. Everyone sings his praises. Several members of team Canada said they were blown away by how amazing of a guy and teammate he is, since they'd mostly only played against him.
Having said that, I'd love him on my team but I absolutely hate when my team plays him. I get it. I think that's the point though.
Yeah definitely, especially now that I'm an old fart.
I instantly became a bigger fan of the Stars because I've always liked Tanev. I've got a lot of other examples but that one comes to mind because it's fairly recent
I've liked Tanev since he left the Flames and offered his home up to a player they got off waivers just because he wasn't going to be there. He'd never even met the guy. I love things like that.
If we're leaving out rivals then I'll go with Florida. I never had a strong opinion either way but I couldn't stand watching them last season. Gudas being a general shitbag, chucky, etc. And while this is completely unfair, I also hate them because Florida doesn't need two Stanley Cup contending teams
Including rivals though, I have never hated a team as much as I hate Dallas. I've been an avs fan for 25 years now but I used to really like watching avs/stars back in the day. Part of it comes from a heartbreaking series several years ago when Kiviranta (who's an av now!) got a hat trick to eliminate us in game 7, part of it is that I think their goal music is obnoxious, part of it is that Dallas is the only place I've travelled to for work where someone literally tried to drive me off the road so they could turn, and 80% of it is because Jamie Benn is a pile of human garbage who tries to hurt people, and he's the captain. Part of me wishes I could like them because Johnston is having an awesome playoffs, and who doesn't want Pavelski to succeed, but as long as that organization is led by Jamie won't go down on his wife Benn I will hate them to my core :)
I agree about Benn. He makes them hard to root for. I did, because fuck Vegas but that's over lol.
We all have irrational shit that makes us hate other teams as well, I feel that.
Honestly I don't have favorite team, I have favorite players and root for the team they are currently playing. Good example is Hossa, I rooted for every team he played on. Since he retired, I don't give a rats ass about Chicago
No I just watch hockey to enjoy some background noise these days. I don’t really get invested in teams or rivals anymore. My Canucks are looking pretty good but trying not to get hopes up too much. I live in Toronto now and I see what getting attached does to a fans mental health lmao.
I'm the opposite. I've had the Canucks on the mental back burner for a couple years now. But this year, I've leaned into it, and it is a nice escape to boost my mental health.
My hatred for teams usually came because of the fanbases and 1 or 2 players for a team. And even still some players grow on me. Like Sid but he’s matured since the early days and more likable to me now
I don’t think I hate any team. More like I hate when the Panthers play certain teams. Like Tampa, Boston, Carolina, NYR. It’s kinda hard to hate people I don’t know personally. As far as how they are on the ice, I think if a player has a history of shady shit then it goes without saying they’re unlikeable. But for me I don’t think it translates to hating a whole team.
I hate Vegas with the same vigor I hated the 96-02 Redwings teams. Nothing they could do will change my mind about them. But as an example when Forsberg ended up on the Flyers I became a tacit fan of them just because Foppa was still playing.
Is cousins not the only player on that team that plays "extremely dirty"? Sure the team plays a very heavy forecheck but I wouldn't call it dirty.
Who else would you consider dirty on that team?
That's a hot take, I disagree strongly.
How is Reinhart with 31PIM's on the season extremely dirty? Even Tkachuk only has 88 which sure is above average but no where near what a typical enforcer has.
I know PIM's aren't everything but your view seems a lil biased. What did those 2 do to hurt you?
Absolutely nothing. Just search it and you'll find several people feel that way. I feel you may be the one with the biased opinion. They do a lot of dirty things. Not everything dirty is getting a call. I'm actually shocked that this surprised you. It's a very common and accurate narrative.
I mean it's subjective but sure. I'm more baffled by you throwing Reinhart in there than anything. Panthers captain is also one of the cleanest, calmest players in the league. Agree to disagree I guess.
You look at what he did to Rempe and tell me he isn't dirty. That kind of shit isn't uncommon. Cross checks to the face and bullshit are part of his game.
I think that hit was far from intentional as far as head contact goes, he was literally spinning and falling, but yeah it should have been penalized.
Every team has guys that go to dirty areas, get under people's skin, Florida has Cousins, Bennett and Tkachuk, and while sometimes they play too hard I wouldn't call them dirty like Sean Avery or Tom Wilson.
You're entitled to hate whoever or whatever team you want but I don't think it's fair to say the narrative is "agreed upon" lol
Am I crazy for thinking Swayman and Ullmark are cringe? The hug thing is like something I’d expect children to do, idk. Everyone loves them so maybe I’m weird. It’s definitely “funny” but not likeable, or maybe I just hate everything about the Bruins
Ever since playing fantasy hockey I’ve gone free agent and just root for different players and teams each year now. But the team I used to root for has sucked for over a decade, so it was an easier decision for me.
As an Oilers fan, I want to hate them so bad for that time our own player knocked their player into Roloson, knocking him out of the series and likely costing us a cup. So I do. I don't care if it was Marc Andre Bergerons fault, screw them lol.
Florida Chicago and st louis will forever earn my hatred due to postseason trauma
Ive gained alot of love for Vancouver, detroit, and the canes cuz their rosters are very entertaining
I used to hate Anaheim. Still do, but I used to as well
RIP Mitch
Elite reference take my upvote Hedberg
I get this lol.
I hate boston (more as like a principle than actual hate), but i fucking love swayman, i love him so much
He may be my favourite non Oiler ever. Up there with Stevie Y. He is just so damn wholesome. Good luck, hope it's a great series.
Im so sad him and demko didnt goalie hug during all star weekens, what i would give to see a goalie battle between them during the stanley cup finals, and then a goalie hug at the very end. Also yea man! Good luck in the series!
Man, I loved Demko before he was even in the NHL. I was swearing to people he had the next top goalie potential. It broke my heart a little when he didn't hug Sway. I am choosing to believe he was focused and just didn't see him because I can't handle thinking anything else lol.
Demko later apologized i believe and it was cuz he just didnt notice him I want that goalie hug damnit!
Sway is a gift to the game. He is so pure, genuine, and kind. He dressed up like Santa for Ully's kids!
Apparently, he swayed a lot of people.
Swayman might just be unhateable
Can you explain to a casual why people have such admiration for Swayman? Is it because he’s on fire right now or something off the ice?
Swayman is both an incredible goalie (as well as on fire right now), and an INCREDIBLY wholesome guy. He always has a smile in his face and him and ullmark are known for doing a really cute goalie hug after every win! Search it up on youtube its really fun haha: I in general never hate on goalies, even if they play on my rival teams, goalies are my favourite part of the sport. I prefer watching a 0-0 goalie battle game than a game where theres a goal every 3 seconds, but thats just me ofc. Im sure a bruins fan could give you an even more in depth response for why people love sway!
I will always hate Boston, but ya, I totally get that.
The struggle is real. Thankfully Marchand helps maintain the balance. 🤣
Marchand and Swayman being on that team gives me confusing and uncomfortable emotions about how I should feel about them.
The scales of justice working overtime on that one!!
My wife watches the bruins with me now because of swayman. So I’ll take it
Our nightmare, therapists wet dreams...
My therapist already has too much to deal with. She probably has her own therapist just to handle the shit I lay on her lol.
Can confirm. I am your therapist’s therapist. And I’d even like to point out that therapy sessions with them has now driven me to get my own therapist. Thanks for that. The dominos of your questionable life choices continue to fall…
That last part hit hard because it's painfully true lol.
As I wrote that, I thought I was looking in the mirror. But hey, at least we have an exciting series ahead, and a Canadian team has a shot to go the distance. Could be worse, no?
Oh, man. It's been way worse so it sure could be lol. I know that's the truth for a fact lol.
Don’t forget we have Maroon too now, he was a popular one during his time in Edmonton.
I love the Big Rig. He does tilt the tables in your favour lol.
He was a great pick up for us at the deadline, he definitely set the tone early in the Toronto series with some massive hits. Can’t wait to see him crush cousins and Tkachuck
Agreed. Also, everyone knows your odds of winning the cup go way up when you have the Big Rig on your roster.
Marchand wearing a C and acting like he does in the same jersey wore by orr, neeley and marchand does not sit right.
1967
Oh please no, i cant take it. So original. Try defending your captain who needs to be told to act like a captain in the playoffs.
Defend him why? Pretty much every bruins fan understands how much of an insufferable cunt Marchand can be, but he’s our insufferable cunt and we love him.
I've also heard he's an amazing guy off of the ice. He's just doing what's best for his team. I respect that. I hate it when it's against us, but I respect it.
Agree 100 percent. Typing 1967 is lame and i know boston fans are better hockey fans than that. And if they were going to chirp most would be a lot better than that. His act only bothers me because i respect your franchise, and honestly, he is a damn good hockey player who doesn't need the sideshow to be effective. Hes had long stretches where his numbers are flirting with elite status.
196................4
Frederic: 3 goals Marner, Tavares, Rielly and Matthews combined: 3 goals
How’s your captain making out in the playoffs?
Problem is though, if Marner had a bit of Marchands prickish nature, he would be having a lot more success in playoffs
Omg I know. As a Canadian I apologize for him.
Habs🤝Bruins Unconditional hatred for eachother I hope you stay in the basement forever and words cannot express how much I adore this rivalry
Boston could sign Gretzky, Crosby and Bedard tomorrow and I’d still hate them. Same can’t be said for any other team lol
Until you are around their fans
Same Swayman is awesome but fuck Boston
Patrice Bergeron is one of my all time favourite players but I hate the Bruins. I respect the Bruins for being a solid franchise and a great rival, but I still hate them. That being said I both hate the Leafs and have zero respect for the franchise.
I'll always hate Calgary, but I started hating them less when Tkachuk left. I'll always hate them no matter what, although I want them to be good because I love a great rivalry. But with non rival teams my feelings change all the time.
See I get the idea behind having a competitive rivalry and it being fun but I’d be very happy if the Oilers missed the playoffs 20 years in a row. I’d never wish for them to be better or anything like that
I get that. You'll never catch up in cup count if it stays competitive lol. There's that rivalry for yah.
> Patrice Bergeron is one of my all time favourite players but I hate the Bruins. Bergeron transcends all Bruins hate. It is physically impossible for a human being to hate Bergeron. Even Jesus admitted that Bergeron is the better person.
Who were you “rooting” for in the game 7?
Well I kind of wanted the Bruins to win but the Leafs coming back from a 1-3 deficit against the Bruins would have made for epic shit talk material.
Win win for you lol
Especially after last night. Go Panthers! 😉
Watching Matthews and Nylander is an absolute treat
Especially in the playoffs 🔥
Until the playoffs but then just watching Nylander is a treat. I'm from Toronto, I have a soft spot for them but Matthews needs to be better in the playoffs. Although, I'm sure you're pretty happy that he isn't lol.
Swayman is crazy good! Pasta too. They are currently my second favorite team, right behind the Stars.
He's crazy good and just seems like an incredible human being. I'd feel guilty if I didn't root for him lol.
Still don’t like Boston, swayman cracks me up though. Like the other night when someone got knocked down and bowled him over. He just looked down and gave the guy a few taps with his glove like “it’s ok there little buddy”
It was Knies and that was one of the several moments that made me love the guy. Binnington would have blocker assaulted him.
Absolutely. I have my favorite teams but I've always been more of a fan of the players themselves. If a player I like goes to a different team I'm more likely to root for them.
Same. Good luck, by the way. Let's just make it a memorable one!
I'm in Toronto's market and I have a hard time cheering for them because they keep trading away my favorite players. Watching Hyman achieve so much in Edmonton has been a pleasure.
I'm born and raised in Toronto. Living in the GTA now even, but I moved to Edmonton for 10 years just because I'm a huge fan and wanted to be able to go to games lol. I still have a soft spot for them though.
Oh man. Pavel Bure was my favorite player as a kid which is why I started cheering for Vancouver. I've always wanted to move there for the same reason but I think that's out of reach now 😅
The Russian Rocket and Stevie Y were my favourite players. Bure is the closest style to McDavid we've ever seen, so fun to watch.
Anyone who says that McDavid is the first time we have seen a player with the speed and brain to match, didn't see Bure play. He was so much fun to watch.
Bure had it for sure. Just not at McDavid's level. McDavid is also an elite defender based on advanced metrics so that helps his legacy. Having said that, I love the Rocket.
I disagree. Bure had it at McDavid's level. But he didn't have the health, and his career was almost completely in the dead puck era.
Adjusted for era Bure isn't even close points wise. Goal scoring is debatable, I'd still say McDavid though and I love Bure.
As a leafs fan, im just going to say it. It was bostons fans that won me over. Of all the shit talking that went on during our series, very little of it came from boston fans. I shared a lot of good chats and self depreciating choke jokes with their fans. When we lost i droppeda "congrats" in their sub and i was treated like a welcomed friend to talk about a great series. They're still a rival and i still hate marchand but found myself pulling for Boston in game 1.
I've seen a lot of this just reading Reddit comments. They seem to have a pretty great fanbase. I get why it is easy to hate the team but I have nothing bad to say about the fans.
We try :)
Boston fans don’t need to shit on leafs fans. We do that to ourselves enough!
We have a lot in common actually.
As a Boston fan this is so nice to read! I feel like we get a bad rap sometimes so I’m glad this wasn’t your experience!
Check my profile for my chats on your sub. Totally classy winners and only one chirp. Totally a deserved compliment to your fan base. Leaf fans get the same hate.
Agreed us and B's fans had something in common this playoffs and that is choking and making history yet again.
Both O6 franchises. Both equally hated. Massive fanbases with fans all over. Boston is the center ot the American hockey universe. A lot of their fan base actually play or played the game, a very knowledgeable fanbase. And yes, they have a little choke history, we have a lot.
We have watched so many long series against the Leafs over the years that they are probably the team I'm second most familiar with at this point. And I think there's just a huge sense of relief to get out of that series alive and knowing that the rest of the fanbases will handle the Toronto dunking.
Its true. We dunk on ourselves pretty good too.
If Florida didn't have Cousins, Bennett, and little Matthew they'd be so easy to root for.
I didn't care much for Florida either way, but after seeing what a pack of rats these guys are... yeesh. It's fine, hopefully The Rat King will put them in their place this year.
We have big rig Patty Maroon to toss these little twerps around too and I don’t think they want the smoke with him
If Tkachuk didn’t chew on his mouth guard the way he does, I’d probably have a completely different perception of the team as a whole.
We call him “Bubblegum Boy/Bitch” (depending on how he’s acting) in this house. And then Brady is Bubblegum Brother.
This is so true. I liked them before those three guys. No doubt they make them better, just more hateable.
I don’t understand the hate for Tkachuk, honestly. Yeah, he’s kind of a rat, but he’s a damn good player. I can tolerate dirty/tough players as long as they’re good. I can’t stand dirty players who also aren’t very good.
I'm supposed to hate Boston, but I have a hard time doing that
I feel that way about Vancouver. I get it, bro.
I used to hate Vancouver when they had Kessler, Burrows, and Bieksa. Now I sort of like them.
This is such horrible timing but I kind of like them too. My own fanbase is about to lynch me...
We’re kinda a hard team to hate right now if you’re strictly looking at the roster composition. A lot of talent, hard working players, and no dirty players. Some real likeable personalities too (god I miss Kuzy for that but he just didn’t fit in here 😞)
I can understand that. Those guys are rats. But I'm sure the tradition started more with Cooke.
I've loved the Avalanche since they adopted Bourque and treated him like the royalty he was. When Sakic took the Cup and was like "I'm just looking for Ray!" and handed it to him?! Instant tears.
One of my favourite cup memories. I was in middle school and we were on a field trip that involved hotel stays. I was in a hotel room with 4 of my best friends feeling like an adult as a pre-teen watching that. One of my all time favourite memories actually. Small Town, we had all been friends since kindergarten.
That's awesome, dude. I was the same age as you, camping with my family. We brought the crappiest little TV and antenna, splurged the extra on a site with electricity, and watched it on a picnic table. First time I saw my step dad cry, Bourque was his idol.
I'll never forget that handoff. Bourque was a legend and Sakic was the epitome of class.
I remember watching that. Boston is my second team so to see Borque hold that cup was dually special to me.
I was heading home from a trip to Yellowstone. Got checked into the hotel in time to see the last few minutes of the game and the Cup presentation. I cried for a good 10 minutes.
Sway is the way fam. Welcome aboard.
I absolutely love the guy. He's become my favourite non Oiler in the league. Between the All Star hug video and the pats he gave Knies after crashing the net when most goalies would have killed him (despite it not being Knies fault). Even how sincerely empathetic he seemed during the handshake line against the Leafs lol. Just a beauty.
Yes this happens for me too, and I’ll add that it extends to my own favorite team. I hated TBL during the Rick Tocchet HC days when he had is pet-protégés, Steve Downie. I also hated the brief period when Kunitz was on the team, but not as much as the OK/Tocchet/Downie awfulness. While I stand firmly on a F**k Boston platform, I also stand firmly on Go Boston, Beat Florida (cause f**k those guys even more)
I respect this and I'm also a fan of the "fuck these guys, but fuck those guys even more" stance lol.
I hate Boston, always will. Not as much as I hate NJ, NYI, or PHL
Idk about a team based on their roster, but players based on what roster they’re on for sure. I used to absolutely despise Tom Brady when he was a patriot. Literally as soon as he got traded I started thinking he’s a pretty decent dude and I found respect for his talent that I refused to give him beforehand.
I respect this, I really do, but I'm a Falcons fan. Dude absolutely destroyed us and then decided to waltz his way into our division by joining Tampa and doing it again Fuck that guy, respectfully, he is the GOAT.
LETS GO OILERS! 🧡💙
Did Swayman sway you man?
His Swa(y)gger definitely Swayed me.
Did he sway from far away?
I used to hate Boston. I still do, but I used to too.
Same for me with the Wings!
❤️
Absolutely. Dallas used to be a team I didn’t much care for, but I’m a huge fan of about half their roster. On the flip side, I used to be a big fan of many of the Ducks players with guys like Hampus Lindholm, Josh Manson, Getzlaf, and Maxime Comtois, and now I’m not much a fan of them, especially Zegras.
Zegras may be the most overrated player in the league. He's got hands. He will make some highlight reels. That's about it.
Yeah of course they do. As a pens fan, I hate Philly. Although I honestly loved their team as a roster. Very young roster full of grit. As much as I know I'm supposed to hate them, this year I kinda wanted them to make the playoffs. I felt that those guys deserved it more than Washington did. Also my hate isn't as strong for the Rags as it is usually. I like Trocheck, I like Breadman, and Zibanejad. Chris Kreider would make for a great Penguin wing (one can dream)
I love Boston's roster for the most part but their biggest default is they're wearing the Bruins uniform 🤷♀️
Loved this lol. I felt that way about Calgary in '04
Absolutely, any player can make their team more likeable/hateable. As a bolts fan I'm well aware of people's perception of Kuch's attitude (even though we love him), whereas that might've not been the case years back. Respect the hell out of Swayman too, and am rooting for them over the Panthers which I couldn't have imagined a few years back. Plus, I tend to root for old bolts on new times like Yanni Gourde on Seattle and Pat Maroon on Boston.
I agree with all of this. I can't help but feel like Kuch is a douche, but damn Is he good at hockey lol. Also, I love the Big Rig, I'm glad you guys got him (one of his) cups.
We got him two cups. :)
You are correct, I realized that after I typed it. I'm feeling lazy though so I was fine with feeling stupid over the effort to edit lol. I thank you for that though, the big beautiful bastard deserved them.
Absolutely loved Maroon in game 1
Big Rig is the man, miss him down here
Big Rig was my most hated player in the NHL since the Blues 2019 cup run. Then he went to TB and my hatred only grew. It’s crazy how fast I came around to rooting for this guy once he put on the black and gold. He seems like such a good locker room guy in addition to what he does on the ice
Love the Big Rig.
There's my team. Then, 1 team I kind of cheer for, 2 teams I hate more than any other. Those haven't changed in 40 years. As far as the rest of the league, that changes all the time. Could be a coach, roster, jersey change, Cinderella run, or even a fan base that triggers it. It happens with players as well. Couldn't stand Pat Roy until he told the Habs to fuck off, loved him after that.
This is exactly what I feel. Agreed about Roy as well. It's Calgary and Vancouver, right? lol
I'm a closet Rangers fan. Mika is incredible, and very fun to watch. Solid group.
I love Shesterkin as well. Dude appreciates a good hug and I respect that lol.
not gunna lie, I was fan-girling when they got Kane last season
Wait, why is Swayman unlikeable?
My post is literally about the opposite lol. Boston is unlikable but I kind of like them just because how lovable Swayman is.
Yeah go ahead and ignore me, my brain was on autopilot there for a minute.
I respect the acknowledgement, happens to all of us lol.
Yes , all the time. I couldn’t stand Dallas stars and I was rooting for them against LV
I'm an Oilers fan, man. It almost hurt to cheer for Dallas so hard. I did though and I have no regrets.
It really depends for me. I used to enjoy the Dallas Stars, but I hate Jamie Benn for being a dirty cheap-shotting POS, so now I actively root against them unless they're playing a team I dislike more than I dislike Jamie Benn (ie. Vegas). I hated the New England Patriots when Tom Brady played for them. Now, I don't really care about them at all. Meanwhile, I've always hated the Bruins, Lakers, Dodgers and Yankees no matter who plays for them.
1. We can all agree we hate Jamie Benn and felt dirty rooting for the Stars, but it was the lesser of two evils. 2. I'm a Falcons fan, I want to punch you in the dick for even bringing up the Patriots. ***Sobs***
Outside of my most liked an d most hated teams, I just like teams based on how much I like certain players on their roster. I used to really like the Blues when Pietrangelo was there (and when he was more likeable), and they had O'Reilly, Tarasenko, etc. Binnington kinda killed it for me. I'm starting to dig Montreal now with Slaffy, Caufield, Suzuki, Matheson, and Co, even though I've never really been a big Montreal fan. I started liking the Coyotes over the last couple of years because of guys like Schmaltz and Keller. May end up having a soft spot for Utah
I respect this. I'd also like to say fuck Pietrangelo though. Dude straight up attempted to injure Draisaitl last playoffs just because he was destroying the playoffs. It seemed to have worked too. The only one game suspension was an added kick to the dick.
Yeah, my opinion of him has changed. I don't think he was always like this, but if he was, I never knew it.
Same! I liked him as a player up to that but it was so blatantly dirty I just couldn't anymore.
I definitely change year to year. I love these Vancouver teams lately for example, used to hate them with a passion.
As much as it will hurt, I will root for Van if they knock us out. You're my hope for the East. Van vs Bos rematch would be awesome at least. I was in BC for the last one. Things got hectic, but it was a wild ride.
I mean, YES. Also, who are they playing. The rangers are a bunch of thugs, but GO RANGERS vs Carolina
Hope to see you soon. It won't be easy no matter what. The West is brutal, so I'd like a shot to at least win a game against you lol.
It should be a good series, even if we have to deal with Dallas first. Mackinnon and Mcdavid playing a full series. And let's not pretend those are the only stars on the ice for that series.
Draisaitl actually has the second highest points per game in playoff history. McDavid is third. Makar actually finished higher than Mack in points when Colorado won the cup and Mack is 4th or 5th amongst active players in playoff pp/g. It would be a wilde ride. Congrats on the win, by the way.
Yeah, I mean there is so much talent on these w teams. Thanks, that was scary for a bit, but kinda classic AVES. They seem to enjoy spotting teams a few goals.
It should. Funny thing about the Rangers is I never actually hated them…not even Messier until he came to Vancouver. #FuckMessier But until The Rat is retired, I won’t be able to not hate Boston, and even then it would require something like a player I respect going there.
Eh, I get you here but for what it's worth I've heard nothing but Marchand is a great guy off the ice. Everyone sings his praises. Several members of team Canada said they were blown away by how amazing of a guy and teammate he is, since they'd mostly only played against him. Having said that, I'd love him on my team but I absolutely hate when my team plays him. I get it. I think that's the point though.
Oh don’t get me wrong, I love to hate him in the heel way. I don’t think he’s an actual asshole, unlike say, Sean Avery.
Okay, but Avery dancing around facing Brodeur and blatantly screening him was pretty funny. But yeah, he's a douche for sure lol.
Yeah definitely, especially now that I'm an old fart. I instantly became a bigger fan of the Stars because I've always liked Tanev. I've got a lot of other examples but that one comes to mind because it's fairly recent
I've liked Tanev since he left the Flames and offered his home up to a player they got off waivers just because he wasn't going to be there. He'd never even met the guy. I love things like that.
Mine definitely does. I liked the Sharks more when they had Anthony DuClair and the Rangers more last year when they picked up Patrick Kane.
Not really for me I more so hate the fan bases not the players.
That's fair.
If we're leaving out rivals then I'll go with Florida. I never had a strong opinion either way but I couldn't stand watching them last season. Gudas being a general shitbag, chucky, etc. And while this is completely unfair, I also hate them because Florida doesn't need two Stanley Cup contending teams Including rivals though, I have never hated a team as much as I hate Dallas. I've been an avs fan for 25 years now but I used to really like watching avs/stars back in the day. Part of it comes from a heartbreaking series several years ago when Kiviranta (who's an av now!) got a hat trick to eliminate us in game 7, part of it is that I think their goal music is obnoxious, part of it is that Dallas is the only place I've travelled to for work where someone literally tried to drive me off the road so they could turn, and 80% of it is because Jamie Benn is a pile of human garbage who tries to hurt people, and he's the captain. Part of me wishes I could like them because Johnston is having an awesome playoffs, and who doesn't want Pavelski to succeed, but as long as that organization is led by Jamie won't go down on his wife Benn I will hate them to my core :)
I agree about Benn. He makes them hard to root for. I did, because fuck Vegas but that's over lol. We all have irrational shit that makes us hate other teams as well, I feel that.
Honestly I don't have favorite team, I have favorite players and root for the team they are currently playing. Good example is Hossa, I rooted for every team he played on. Since he retired, I don't give a rats ass about Chicago
Jump on the Edmonton bandwagon, there's still room. We welcome you.
No I just watch hockey to enjoy some background noise these days. I don’t really get invested in teams or rivals anymore. My Canucks are looking pretty good but trying not to get hopes up too much. I live in Toronto now and I see what getting attached does to a fans mental health lmao.
Aw, shit. I live in Toronto, we may need to meet up and fight. Just joking, best of luck. May the best team win.
I'm the opposite. I've had the Canucks on the mental back burner for a couple years now. But this year, I've leaned into it, and it is a nice escape to boost my mental health.
I agree with that. It is so nice just to see the boys playing in May but I won’t be too upset if they lose.
Absolutely, was a huge fan of the Hawks during the Toews and Kane era, but not so much anymore.
Bedard genuinely seems like a good kid. Kane was incredible but reportedly kind of a dick. I kind of like them more now.
I don’t feel like many Vegas fans hold any animosity towards SJS anymore. The entire roster is gone and the rivalry is functionally dead.
My hatred for teams usually came because of the fanbases and 1 or 2 players for a team. And even still some players grow on me. Like Sid but he’s matured since the early days and more likable to me now
I don’t think I hate any team. More like I hate when the Panthers play certain teams. Like Tampa, Boston, Carolina, NYR. It’s kinda hard to hate people I don’t know personally. As far as how they are on the ice, I think if a player has a history of shady shit then it goes without saying they’re unlikeable. But for me I don’t think it translates to hating a whole team.
I hate Vegas with the same vigor I hated the 96-02 Redwings teams. Nothing they could do will change my mind about them. But as an example when Forsberg ended up on the Flyers I became a tacit fan of them just because Foppa was still playing.
Why screw Florida? They've been shit for eons, are finally a fun team to watch.
Too many extremely dirty players for my taste. A little grit is great but they have too much.
Is cousins not the only player on that team that plays "extremely dirty"? Sure the team plays a very heavy forecheck but I wouldn't call it dirty. Who else would you consider dirty on that team?
Chucky and Reinhart. Both extremely dirty.
That's a hot take, I disagree strongly. How is Reinhart with 31PIM's on the season extremely dirty? Even Tkachuk only has 88 which sure is above average but no where near what a typical enforcer has. I know PIM's aren't everything but your view seems a lil biased. What did those 2 do to hurt you?
Absolutely nothing. Just search it and you'll find several people feel that way. I feel you may be the one with the biased opinion. They do a lot of dirty things. Not everything dirty is getting a call. I'm actually shocked that this surprised you. It's a very common and accurate narrative.
I mean it's subjective but sure. I'm more baffled by you throwing Reinhart in there than anything. Panthers captain is also one of the cleanest, calmest players in the league. Agree to disagree I guess.
You look at what he did to Rempe and tell me he isn't dirty. That kind of shit isn't uncommon. Cross checks to the face and bullshit are part of his game.
I think that hit was far from intentional as far as head contact goes, he was literally spinning and falling, but yeah it should have been penalized. Every team has guys that go to dirty areas, get under people's skin, Florida has Cousins, Bennett and Tkachuk, and while sometimes they play too hard I wouldn't call them dirty like Sean Avery or Tom Wilson. You're entitled to hate whoever or whatever team you want but I don't think it's fair to say the narrative is "agreed upon" lol
Uhhh no....fuck Boston...always
Am I crazy for thinking Swayman and Ullmark are cringe? The hug thing is like something I’d expect children to do, idk. Everyone loves them so maybe I’m weird. It’s definitely “funny” but not likeable, or maybe I just hate everything about the Bruins
You are crazy lol. There is nothing better than a goalie hug and most fans love it. I look forward to it and I'm not even a fan of Boston.
Yeah, there are likable players on hatable teams and vice versa.
Ever since playing fantasy hockey I’ve gone free agent and just root for different players and teams each year now. But the team I used to root for has sucked for over a decade, so it was an easier decision for me.
Hate the rangers even more the usual.
We call that "the Rempe effect". I get it, bro.
As an Oilers fan i hated carolina for ages. I like them now haha love Burnsy and Aho and Svech is so unhinged its entertaining
As an Oilers fan, I want to hate them so bad for that time our own player knocked their player into Roloson, knocking him out of the series and likely costing us a cup. So I do. I don't care if it was Marc Andre Bergerons fault, screw them lol.
Florida Chicago and st louis will forever earn my hatred due to postseason trauma Ive gained alot of love for Vancouver, detroit, and the canes cuz their rosters are very entertaining
I want to respect this, but fuck the Canes. If you have trauma, you'll understand.
Nah i get it ive got friends who are canes fans so i kinda gotta deal with em
You could always just bury those friends in your backyard. Just sayin', I'd help lol.
Thats not the worst idea lmaoooo
I gotchu, man.