Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien’s first head coaching gig came with the Montreal Canadiens, but being on the other end of that rivalry for seven seasons has made his allegiances pretty clear.
His quote to CSNNE.com could be used as bulletin board material if Habs head coach Michel Therrien is really reaching, even if it’s clear that Julien was having fun with the rivalry talk.
“I hated Boston when I was in Montreal, and I hate Montreal now that I’m in Boston,” Julien said with what CSNNE.com described as a wry smile. “You know this is the kind of series where you won’t need to give the players a pep talk, but instead you’ll send a message about managing emotions.”
No doubt about it, the latest installment of one of the NHL’s most storied rivalries should be a lot of fun. Julien seems hopeful that he can channel that hostility in the right direction.
In case you’re wondering, the NHL announced that Game 1 of this series will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday in Boston.