Garden fans bring noise for Boudreau
Zach Blick of Syosset holds up a sign in reference to Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau prior to the game against the New York Rangers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. (April 20, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
Bruce Boudreau's comments ripping Madison Square Garden earlier this week were made to a local Washington D.C. radio show, but the Capitals coach managed to tune in -- and tune up -- about 18,200 more listeners.
Before the puck dropped on Game 4, the sellout crowd serenaded the coach with a fiery chant of "Boudreau ----" and unleashed a deafening cacophony to drown out the last stanza of John Amirante's rendition of the national anthem.
After the Rangers took a 3-0 lead in the second period on two goals within seven seconds, the crowd broke out into a taunt, "Can-You-Hear-Us?"
But the relentless sensory attack couldn't prevent a furious three-goal comeback by the Caps, who ultimately won 4-3 in double-overtime on Jason Chimera's goal.
"It was great. They are passionate people and it's a great building to play in," Chimera said. "It was a great atmosphere and both teams fed off of it. We were laughing on the bench when they were chanting ."
Boudreau incited the fury Monday morning when he blasted the building and its fans on Washington's 105.9 FM.
"Its reputation is far better than the actual building. I mean it's nothing," Boudreau said, praising Verizon Center's acoustics. "Our building's a lot louder, too. So I mean they can say what they want, but it's not that loud in there."
Before the game, Boudreau refused to answer questions relating to the controversy he began. After his team took a 3-1 series lead, Boudreau backtracked a bit.
"Look, I may have made a mistake with what I said, but let's leave it at that," he said.
But while Boudreau remained terse on the topic, Rangers faithful had plenty to say.
"I think the man is crazy," said 56-year-old Manhattan native Lenard Andus. "I've been a Rangers season ticket holder for 40 years and I have been in the Garden when it has shook from rafter to rafter.
"If he doesn't think we were loud Sunday, then wait until he sees what happens tonight," Andus said before the game. "I'm just flabbergasted he said that. Flabbergasted."
Lois Wells, 62, of Staten Island, also was miffed about his comments.
"I think it's baloney. The Garden is the loudest place anywhere. I don't think any place else compares," she said. "I read that he may have been just saying that to divert attention from his own players."
The Garden crowd ensured that hostile territory became a little bit nastier for Boudreau's team last night. But for Chimera, the whole scene was just what the playoffs are about.
"When you look up and see everyone yelling, it's great," Chimera said. "That's playoff hockey."
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