American hockey fans are miffed after last night's Bruins-Canadiens game, and I can't say I blame them. And it's for a familiar reason:

After the Montreal fans gave their time-honored display of classlessness in booing the Star-Spangled Banner, Michigan-born Tim Thomas feigned surprise. "I thought when Obama got elected (president) they were going to stop doing that?" cracked the Bruins goalie.

We've certainly seen this before and generally I'd chalk it up to a few idiots, but the past few incidents in Montreal certainly haven't seemed that way. Here are a few more reactions:

New England Hockey Journal

Montreal fans attempted to drown out the singing of the American anthem with boos before the game, a gesture probably not appreciated too much by Montreal defensemen Mike Komisarek (West Islip, N.Y.), Francois Bouillon (New York, N.Y.), Schneider (New York, N.Y.) and forward Chris Higgins (Smithtown, N.Y.).

Hockey Beat

The Montreal Canadiens fans booed the American national anthem at the Bell Centre last night and I just want to voice my disappointment. Go ahead and boo the Boston Bruins – they’re your opponent and they’re kicking your a$$ – but don’t disrespect an entire nation. It shows an extraordinary lack of class and really has no place in an NHL arena, especially during the playoffs.

LOGE19.com

Let me see if I can get this straight, Canadiens’ fans. You are getting mauled by the Bruins in this series, so in order to show support for your team you boo the American National Anthem? ... Furthermore, you chant, "Go Habs Go" as the American National Anthem is being sung? Really? You’re that classless and lost you resort to that? In my opinion that is absolutely pathetic. Not to mention this is not the first time this incident has taken place, you even had a public service announcement to curb it! Talk trash about the Bruins or any opposing team all you want, but to disrespect the Anthem is plain ridiculous. As I said before, I was never into the Bruins/Habs rivalry because I’m from Chicago, but actions like that are why you’re hated.

I don't disagree with any of that. And unfortunately it might be a case of no longer playing anthems in situations like this.