Unexpected scene at the Bell Centre as Mitch Marner gets showered with boos by Habs fans

The game between the Canadiens and the Golden Knights had barely started when a strange narrative began to take shape.

Almost every time the Knights' number 93 touched the puck, a wave of boos rained down from the stands.

Analyst Eric Engels couldn't believe it.

He pointed out on X that the situation seemed "pretty random."

It's worth noting that Marner is coming off a game where he was loudly booed against the Toronto Maple Leafs (which surprised no one), but why be booed in Montreal?

Let's remember that Marner is no longer a member of the Maple Leafs.

He was traded to Vegas last summer, just before July 1. He then signed a massive 8-year, $96 million contract with the Nevada team.

He's no longer a direct divisional rival. And yet, the Montreal crowd has a long memory.

It's almost as if the Leafs' locker room smell is still clinging to him.

Marner is having a strong season with 52 points in 51 games so far. He remains one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.

Meanwhile, the fans might just be on edge because of the standings.

With the Bruins having just caught up to the Canadiens in points, the tension is palpable.

The fans need an outlet, and tonight it's the former Leaf who's become the target.

Now we'll see whether this strategy works or if it simply motivates Marner to make them pay.

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