The NHL All-Star weekend is typically a time for celebrating the sport and for fans to enjoy fun interactions among the top players in the league. However, a star player from the Vancouver Canucks had different intentions on Friday.
Representing the Boston Bruins in Toronto were Jeremy Swayman and David Pastrnak. Pastrnak received a mixed reaction from Maple Leafs fans as he was booed during the skills competition.
Prior to the event, Swayman attempted to continue his goalie hug tradition, a gesture that fans have come to expect, with players like Linus Ullmark. While Jake Oettinger and Alexandar Georgiev participated, Thatcher Demko ignored Swayman’s attempt, leading to the NHL video progressing with hugs from Igor Shesterkin and Connor Hellebuyck.
Bruins fans were understandably upset by the Canucks All-Star player’s refusal to engage in the hug, but a beloved player from the team responded appropriately to the situation.
When the All-Star break arrived, Boston and Vancouver were both at the top of the NHL standings, tied in points. This could have fueled Thatcher Demko’s competitive spirit. Fans can recall the tense history between the two teams, notably in the 2011 Stanley Cup final. There is speculation that this season’s Stanley Cup final could potentially spotlight a rematch between the Bruins and Canucks.
The groundwork for reigniting the rivalry could have been laid on Friday evening, setting the stage for further sparks to fly when the Canucks face off against the Bruins for the first time this season at TD Garden next Thursday. Boston fans might be eager to give Demko a lively reception in response to his earlier actions towards Swayman.
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