Montreal fans are not happy with Zdeno Chara. (Creative Commons - Magic Mittens)

Dave Dulberg takes a look at six pressing questions heading into the NHL Playoffs, continuing with the Boston Bruins and Zdeno Chara:

2. Will the Boston Bruins receive any retaliation from Montreal fans because of Zdeno Chara's late-season hit?

We have all seen the hit by Bruins’ captain Zdeno Chara on the Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty that sent Pacioretty to the hospital with a concussion and fractured vertebra on March 8. Whether it was clean or dirty, the check was, without a doubt, the most gruesome image from the regular season.

While there is already no love lost between these two Original Six rivals, the Bruins and Canadiens may have elevated their collective hatred for each other to a new level entering their first round matchup.

While the teams met once after the incident, the Bruins’ 7-0 romp took place in the friendly confines of Boston's TD Garden. When the B’s return to the scene of the crime at the Bell Centre on Monday night, one would likely assume that the Northeast Division champs and any fans who journey across the border to support them will receive their fair share of hostility.

Frankly, I think those wearing yellow and black will have their worst fears realized. GQ ranked Montreal fans the worst in hockey and among the most brutal in professional sports in 2011.

Let’s hope for a quick series, because unfortunately even in the wake of all the recent security issues brought up by the tragic beating of San Francisco Giants’ fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium, something tells me this message may not have been received up north.

Be sure to check back for the final four NHL Playoff questions.

________________________

Email Dave Dulberg.