On November 20, 1986, the storied rivalry between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens reached a boiling point in an incident that would be etched into NHL history as the “Brawl in the Hallway.” This confrontation transcended the confines of the rink, highlighting the intense animosity between the two teams during the 1980s.
The game, held at the Boston Garden, was charged with the usual physicality and fervor characteristic of Bruins-Canadiens matchups. Tensions escalated when Canadiens enforcer Chris Nilan, being escorted off the ice by officials, took a swing at Bruins forward Ken Linseman, who was on the bench. This act ignited a series of altercations that spilled into the hallway leading to the locker rooms, involving players from both teams in a chaotic melee.
The NHL responded by suspending Nilan for three games, while Canadiens players Ryan Walter and Claude Lemieux received one-game suspensions each. Despite the disciplinary actions, the incident underscored the deep-seated rivalry and the high stakes that characterized games between these two franchises.
The “Brawl in the Hallway” remains a vivid example of the passion and intensity that defined the Bruins-Canadiens rivalry in the 1980s. It serves as a reminder of an era when emotions ran high, and the battle between these two teams extended beyond the ice, leaving an indelible mark on NHL history.
