The Athletic highlighted Cam Neely as the biggest on-ice villain for the Montreal Canadiens, noting his pivotal role in helping the Boston Bruins defeat the Habs in the late ’80s and early ’90s. However, the author argues that Zdeno Chara deserves this title due to his infamous hit on Max Pacioretty in 2011, which resulted in severe injuries and no suspension, fueling fans’ animosity towards him. Despite his villain status, Chara received a warm ovation during his 1,500th game, showcasing the complexity of fan sentiment. The incident with Pacioretty has left a lasting impact, with Chara’s name synonymous with disdain in Montreal.
Want More Context? 🔎
Top On-Ice Villain in Canadiens History
Sports News. No Fluff.
Quick summaries of major games, trades, and headlines — so you can stay in the loop without spending hours reading.