Bruins’ Jakub Lauko returns Jeremy Swaeman’s hug.
Has an old rivalry been rekindled? NHL All-Star Weekend is all about celebrating the sport and giving fans a look at the exciting interactions between the league’s best players. But on Friday, one Vancouver Canucks star had other ideas.The Boston Bruins were introduced to Toronto by Jeremy Swaiman and David Pastrnak, who were cheered on by Maple Leafs fans during the skills competition.
Before the game, Swayman shared a hug with goalkeeper Linus Ullmark, which fans were expecting. Jake Ettinger and Alexander Georgiev promised, but Thatcher Demko ignored Swayman before the NHL video continued with hugs from Igor Shesterkin and Connor Hellebuyck. Bruins fans certainly weren’t happy with the Canucks All-Star embrace, but the team’s favorite fans reacted accordingly.The competitive edge may have been Demko’s, as Boston and Vancouver had the most points in the NHL when the All-Star break came.
Fans need only look at the 2011 Stanley Cup Final to see that the two teams have a history of animosity, and this year’s Stanley Cup Final will likely feature the Bruins and Canucks.The seeds of a new rivalry may have been planted Friday night and could continue next Thursday when the Canucks take on the Bruins for the first time at TD Garden. B’s fans could get a warm welcome in Boston after Demko’s criticism of Swayman.
