#87: Terry O'Reilly and Chris Nilan Interview: The Raw Knuckles Podcast

This week, our friend John Vatistas interviews Chris Nilan and Terry O'Reilly for a bit of a different episode! In part one of 3, Chris and Terry talk fighting philosophy, coaches, and their fathers!
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Chris' Family
10:00 Addiction
14:50 Chris' Father/Cup Rings
18:15 Serge Savard/Larry Robinson
22:40 Catholic Church
28:45 Terry's Family
34:36 Fighting Philosophy
38:20 Coaches
57:25 Terry Vs. A Rookie
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[@sid7088]

Knuckles, you are a true hero. Confronting the priest was so hard, but you did what was right. Bravo.

[@Bruins-vq5ey]

Showed restraint for not tuning him up

[@visionquest9277]

So much respect for Chris and Terry. Absolute class!

[@firejeff67]

Hurry with parts 2&3, I’ve been dying to hear Taz

[@danar.6037]

My first time watching Terry on TV was against the Flyers in the finals back in the day. He wasn't afraid of anyone and he fought Schultz on more then one occasion. I was a fan for life after that ! Great to see him!

[@harrykadaras9459]

Good work. Not only is this one the best Knuckles episode - its the best Sports related podcast I've ever seen

[@fredblassie9523]

You are correct Sir. These interviews take me back to the real NHL glory days. Well said. We will never see hockey like that again. Gary Bettman ruined the NHL.

[@jamescarnevale3312]

Thanks for doing this Chris. As a boy in the 1970's Bobby Orr days, we all wanted to be... Terry O'Reilly.

[@qualityman1965]

I met Terry way back in 87 during the Canada cup. He came in a coffee shop, and the first thing I thought, holy... his a big guy. I am not a small guy, but he is big. Bless you knuckles.

[@jaymoraski]

Great interview, letting the legends talk......................

[@OrThatsIt]

Please Knuckles we need the rest of this interview!!

[@seanyesaki5985]

Back when hockey players were like gladiators. Terry O'Reilly could do it all. Great podcast, Knuckles! The humility is amazing.

[@fredblassie9523]

2 of the toughest players ever........Terry was a great hockey player, Chris did his job and when given more ice time proved he could play.

[@nibsvkh]

I grew up watching hockey during the fighting era and loved it. Now being more knowledgeable about the inherent health issues of concussions and seeing how the best hockey has been the World Juniors and Olympics with virtually zero fighting it is a not debatable that fighting in hockey is thankfully for the most part in the past. Anyone who disagrees with my factual statement hasn’t seen the documentary that highlights the suicides and brain damage of these so called “gladiators”.

[@seanyesaki5985]

@@nibsvkh totally hear you. Notice, I didn't say that gladiators were a reflection of a better style of play, rather they had a very tough job to do. Many of us could not do it. Hockey is definitely more skilled today and there will always be inherent dangers. But, I will say that the pendulum has swung a bit too far towards no hitting at all which poses other problems for the game.

[@bobbarkerswrinklednutsac541]

Any short tournament with every thing on the line is usually going to be good hockey. The lack of fighting has little to do with it. The NHL was much more entertaining in the Era of these players IMHO. "I wouldn't change a thing" Terry O'Reilly

[@Mtl3944]

Chris, you are an outstanding person; a tribute to humanity and unconditionally caring, protecting others without your strength. Your parents, children, friends, and your fans are so proud of you.

[@joelococo1724]

God Bless you Chris for sharing your addiction ussues .. It's such a big problem in todays world .. I am sure you helped people listening to this to go get help .. Loved guys like you and Terry who played that tough brand of oldtime hockey !!!

[@W.Frates]

Only 1/3 in and it’s such a great discussion. God bless you Chris. 👏🏻👍🏻🙏🏻

[@fredblassie9523]

Mr. O'Reilly is known as a tough guy and a great fighter but I also remember him being one of the best fore checkers in NHL history. He and Peter McNabb played together for many years and were both consistant scores as well. The Bruins of the 70's and early 80's were always a top 4 or 5 team in the league and Terry was a big reason why. As an old time Islander fan I remember him battling Clark Gillies and he held his own most of the time. I know both men respected each other and I heard they became friends later in life.

[@markliggins2967]

Was not A Nilan fan as I loathe the gorfs but I kinda admired him being a Boston guy ... absolute kudos for kicking the addictions...toughest battle I'm sure he'd ever fought...

[@mrshannon8]

Watching Chris listen to Terry is priceless...

[@mansfield61]

The look on Chris' face when terry is telling fighting stories is priceless.

[@rrdls19]

both are true old schoolers and Knuckles just loves hearing the stories of those times, my man starts feeling nostalgic🥲🥲🥲

[@anthonyzeepvat3798]

I also was a big fan of Terry O’Reilly in the 1970’s. He was one of my favourite players and was among the top heavyweight fighters ever.

[@gounchface]

How many people did knuckles father kill in nam¿

[@markphillips8097]

​@@gounchfaceas many as he had to they were trying to kill him too

[@dspf68]

This is gold! Pretty much the 2 best at what they did for a living!

[@Crackers2549]

Excellent interview of two hockey legends.... Saw both play many times... (Old Blackhawk fan of the Stan Mikita Bobby Hull era).. Love how both gave Larry Robinson his due, such a great player and I believe he still holds the best plus minus of any player ever...! Love how Chris confronted the priest, very admirable...! Just a terrific interview...

[@gregkmit3035]

Sending Deep PRAYERS! For yr BROTHER! A FULL! SPEEDY! RECOVERY!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤

[@jockejocke1]

1977-78 Terry had a season for the ages. He was all over the box scores that year and was among the top 7 leaders in many different categories. I'm not sure it's happened before or since that a player has been able to combine scoring and fighting in a season to that high degree: 90 Points (7th in the league) 61 assists (5th in the league) 4 game winning goals (7th in the league) 13 fights (6th in the league) 211 PIMs (6th in the league) Add to that 22 power play points and a plus minus +42.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Great season. Terry finished 8th in Hart Voting (Lafleur won it) for the '77-'78 season, finishing ahead of Ken Dryden and Larry Robinson, both tied for 10th in voting.

[@thomasjefferson8422]

Lindros was the standard. O'Reilly was tough sob.

[@fredblassie9523]

A great, tough, hard hitting, scoring, fore checking legend. This is coming from an old Islander fan of the 70's, 80's. He was a force every shift.

[@4orrcountry]

Terry O'Reilly was, is and ALWAYS will be The Ultimate Bruin. He NEVER took a single shift off and always stuck up for his teammates on the ice.

[@fredblassie9523]

the standard for what ? concussions ?@@thomasjefferson8422

[@user-mb1dz2wu5j]

RESPECT for BOTH GLADIATORS!

[@Robert-fy2oh]

Hello Chris, I'm so glad to have found your podcast. You were my favourite player for the Habs, and was truly devastated when you were traded. Congrats on your sobriety, and the courage you have always shown whether on the ice, and in life. Mtl alumni came to Barrie ON a number of years ago and i was one of those fans who cheered wildly for you then, as i will now, in catching up on the podcast. I continue to appreciate what you brought to my beloved Habs, and though i could never cheer for Boston, i did cheer for you.

[@T_K_1945]

Mr. Nyland. I’ve been watching you all you hockey league career, Canadian fan and we talked together, one time and train to go to Val and I was living in Blair. It was a wonderful experience with you, Mr. Ireland.

[@gregmaddensoc]

Amazing Chris ... nice to see Terry ... great interview John

[@angelor9433]

Great interview Cris and Terry. They are true gentleman nice people. God bless you guys.

[@Seawizz203]

I always loved Terry O’Reilly and hated Chris Nilan, but wished he were a Bruin, especially as a Boston guy. After hearing what he’s been through, in this interview and others, I have the utmost respect for him. Hated him as a player. Love him as a human being. I admire both you guys for what you brought to hockey, its fans, and your community.

[@douglascaverly3749]

Your so right Chris Growing up on the North Shore, same age as you my father instilled those same values

[@johncrumb8529]

You ROCK Knucks. So happy you made it through those rough times. The toughness your dad instilled into you, I believe was the sole reason you were able to rise up from the depths of addiction. Loved you as a player, respect you as a man. Keep er going mon frere❤👊

[@jaymiller6009]

As a lifelong Bruins fan…. Always hated playing against Knuckles…. But ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT when I found out he was going to play for the Bruins!!

[@gregkmit3035]

LOVE KNUCKLES! CHRIS NILAN! One of my Absolute Favorite players! I just wish my Sam Jose Sharks! Had YOU! Chris! You were built for the Bay area! GOD BLESS N PROTECT! YOU! ALWAYS!❤🙏

[@robertmullen2375]

knuckles and the taz. love you both

[@CoreySosner]

Heavy episode. Keeping it real best hockey podcast ever. Real issues and hockey talk

[@JohnnyMac04]

Let me say this Chris one really proud about your sobriety, I am a kid born in Montreal and the Bruins were my I am 66. I have so much respect for you guys

[@mrshannon8]

When Chris talks bout his parents....gives me chills...brings a tear to my eye...I was a freshman at UMAINE in 1977...we played Northeastern at the Boston Arena....my teammates from Boston said-stay away from this guy- we actually went into the corners together several times ...thank goodness he didn't smash me.......=)

[@Chuckskipster]

Love this man’s honesty, to share his battles, and to own up to his weaknesses! A true Hero in my eyes!❤😊

[@Chuckskipster]

Nobody is perfect, every single one of us humans ,has lived some kind of issue!!!

[@harveyotoole2029]

Great Video, O'Reilly is one of a kind.

[@annoyedatthis1]

Epic interview. Big-time Rangers fan in the 1970's but always loved it when the Rangers played the Bruins. Huge respect for Terry O'Reilly. He was an early power forward. Nilan was such an incredibly tough guy as well.

[@colinmuldoon6159]

Once again great job Chris. All the work you have done on yourself shows up so much in this interview. You look great too brother!! Keep getting better every day one day at a time!

[@rocksmith3796]

Much respect from a friend of Bill W.....I would like to congratulate you on 8 years of sobriety.... Keep up the great work one day at a time!..... Great interview.... Look forward to many more...Namaste

[@fredblassie9523]

Put Rick Middleton in the HOF. It is long over due.

[@billhudson5402]

Would love to see you have Lyndon Byers on your podcast Knucks! I hear he's been having some tough times health wise but he was always a funny dude and I'm sure there's some good stories between the B's Habs rivalry and even when you guys became teammates with the B's. Keep making the great pods Knucks! ;)

[@christopherbenson9942]

Oh man!!! This is the ONE I was hoping for!!! Taz was my Idol(hockey wise) along with #4 of course growing up!!! Thanku Knucks!!!!

[@pjpredhomme7699]

what the hell did they bring a great guest on - just to have this guy pepper Chris with personal questions - I was embarrassed for Oreilly -18.5 minutes before even acknowledged Taz - whoever this guy is - find something else

[@stevebeman8298]

Poor Taz … WTF!

[@Celtic4Life9]

Thanks for sharing your pain Chris, the first step is wanting help and following through with it, 28 years clean and sober, and thankfully I was able to climb out of the bottle Loved watching the Bruins Habs battles and was over the moon when you signed for the Bruins, and I remember you saying when interviewed, "Now you're gonna find out who I don't like in Montreal" Best to you and yours

[@tommclaughlin5354]

Thanks for sharing your experience, strength and hope Chris. Needed to hear that tonight. So many great stand up athletes to look up to growing up in Boston. Terry was my all time favorite, bar none. Thanks for putting this together guys. Great show!

[@jimmccarthy1226]

Great guys all.

[@Jacktors]

Great show Chris.Terry a class act like yourself. I shook his hand one night outside MSG. His hand swallowed my up. Huge mitts!

[@josephcurran231]

Your dad was a very honorable man to take care of mom and keep her out of a health care facility. Your story is a motivation to keep going and walk away from that poison . Have a great day sir

[@CygnusXJon]

Great interview, thanks for letting them talk.

[@capecodder04]

This is a great interview for a few different reasons. 1) I loved the stories about Terry O'Reilly's father and Chris Nilan's father and how they were brought up because I was brought up the same way by my father and mother. My mother actually hit us more than I remember my father hitting us but I'd say that was because we were scared crap of getting hit by my father and that was enough to keep us inline when he was around. My father also made sure that I'd never take any crap from anybody and never go looking for fights. That's how it was with most kids when you grew up in the Boston area. As a matter of fact, sometimes we would get a smack in the back of the head and my father would say that's for when you screw up in the future. I also never considered any of it as child abuse because if we weren't behaving we got wacked. 2) I also went to Catholic Memorial (1982) and I grew up in Roslindale and I knew of the story about Father Ryan and "all the details" that Chris gave were exactly what I heard way back when it came out in the news. 3) I'm also a friend of Bills. I've known him pretty well since August 18th, 2010 but we briefly met for the first time back around 1999 in Hyde Park but I lost touch with him for about 10 years 🙂 Chris, if you're wondering who this is I did not know you growing up because you were older than me but we did run into each other one time years back up at Millennium Park when you were in Boston and you were walking your dog and I was walking my dog up at the top where the soccer fields are and you were with your girlfriend from Canada and we spoke for about 10 or 15 minutes. I remember you were telling me about your radio show and your documentary that was coming out soon. God Bless and keep the faith Dominus Vobiscum

[@cpf383]

What we see before us is a walking, talking miracle. Keep at it, Mr. Nilan!

[@franklemire7052]

Wow...holy shit...Senator Chris Nilan. We've met. You and your "wife " took time to spend an hour with me and my family. You signed a sweater for me s I can hang it on my wall beside The Flower 10 Jersey. This one hit home Chris . Hard. As it brought all sorts of shit back . And again I must thank you. If not for you I would not be here commenting on all this. Must Stop I'm choked up....I owe you.

[@user-fx4qb3tg6n]

Spectacular interview so far when I saw terry o'riellys name I knew we were all in for one of, if not your best show yet can't wait for the rest. Your the best knucks god bless!

[@tommynh2806]

Fantastic interview. Looking forward to the rest of it. Terry was/is my all time favorite Bruin! Chris Im a few years younger than you but I grew up in Rozzi/Westie and knew many Nilans! I wish you were able to spend your career in Boston.

[@normbean4204]

Always thought of Nilan as a good player but a pure tough guy It's been my observation that hockey play3s are the most down to earth honest humble toughest son of all sports True heroes

[@firejeff67]

Parts 2 &3 HELLO!!

[@jacobstein1555]

Hey Chris - thanks for sharing. Great stuff and it’s so good to see Terry O’Reilly on too.

[@davidcarroll2451]

I've watched your pod many times.as a Bruins fan I hated you,after watching your pod, I have a total respect for you.God bless you!keep up speaking, you encouraged me and many others.i will spread your positive experience. 19:22 19:31 ❤ 19:49 😊

[@rushrules81]

Wow, this is an amazing episode. I can't wait for part 2!

[@ericlademan207]

I love you knucks!

[@PK-ne8hk]

This was great i loved Terry he is a pure Bruin. Wish guys like him Chris , Wendel, Nystrom, etc still play. Guys who could score and throw Nobody pretty much in nhl now exists Great episode.

[@nibsvkh]

It’s a good thing nobody in the NHL is getting brain damage!

[@PK-ne8hk]

@@nibsvkh does Wendel Clark have brain damage? No just tough guys who could play. Learn or research if Wendel Clark was on current team they would be way better. Marnier would feel 10ft tall.

[@brianburgi2683]

Oh there has been plenty of brain damage

[@denisgin5011]

Well Done Gentlemen !!!

[@matt75hooper]

Look up Boston Bruin in the Dictionary. You will see a picture of Terry O'Reilly & his Biography. A fierce competitor. A complete hockey player. Took on the toughest men in the NHL IN THEIR BUILDING. Such courage. Players that went after O'Reilly might have played one or two shifts while Terry played the whole game. That is fearless. He will be beloved forever in Boston Bruin history.

[@johnmills2134]

Fantastic podcast as usual, Sir, thanks for making our days better, no small feat. Best

[@BramHepburn]

O'Reilly is the Patron son of Boston. Absolute hero

[@stevebeman8298]

100%

[@jjeanrobert5800]

So cool to hear those stories !

[@michaelmccarthy3930]

Knucks I used to see your dad at Draper Laboratories. He was a stand up guy respected by everyone. Who does that sound like? Just like you my friend. How come the fact that Taz never lost to Dave Schultz isn't more widely known in the hockey world? Schultz was supposed to be the toughest of that Era. Taz cleaned his clock every time they fought. Love your show Knucks. God bless.

[@johncrimmins1540]

Easy to respect both men after that interview. Thanks

[@ericlademan207]

Keep it up! My 2 favorites! God bless you guys…

[@Gregory-sm9pf]

Two warrior's that not only were good fighters but they could also score and had great respect for the game of hockey, knuckle's, would love for you to have Stan Jonathan on talking it up, that woukd be great

[@kevinbeatzeus]

I love this.

[@centerhice7948]

Great show knucks

[@jackc70]

In Philly in the 70’s, the visiting NHL Teams would stay at a place called the Alpine Inn. We would play street hockey in the parking lot One day about dinner time we were out there playing and Yvan C, Rocket Richard and guy lefleur came out of their rooms and we’re going to dinner at the connected Restaurant (great food) saw us and came over and played about 10-15 minutes. Only one of them could speak a little English but we spoke the same hockey language, lol. This was a highlight of my childhood.

[@jbull7126]

Legend

[@james.s.7710]

What a fn episode 👏 Keep up the good work knuckles 👊

[@THEFOOSMAN69]

Awesome podcast 🤛🏼

[@richardpapa242]

Great show and you were a great player !!!

[@JohnnyMac04]

I know you said you did it in in three parts are the other two out yet cuz I I can't find them

[@alexseiler1604]

Just found you and am e😮joying you a lot thx!!

[@jac335]

You're the best Chris fantastic

[@modelbass]

Whens the next part coming Chris? So good!!!

[@jcg2922]

Really hoping to see the rest of this interview soon here.

[@AdamGell]

Awesome 👌👊👌

[@bigdaddy4197]

Chris you’re the man.

[@TJC-zz4zx]

Chris needs to get Jonathan on the podcast.

[@jerrythomas4457]

Hell yeah

[@lloydalmeida7699]

Grew up a habs fan and was an Orielly fan this was an awesome podcast

[@user-fb1yg1dn7s]

Does anyone know when part 2 is coming out ?

[@schmingusss]

Interesting conversation .

[@giuseppecareri2242]

I'm glad you straightened out. I lost a brother to suicide at a young age and I escaped reality for awhile myself . I know how hard it is ..

[@chriskroell6956]

Fearless

[@BadGrandpa2024]

Man, This is awesome, Knuckles I was out of the Country when you played for Boston, F*k I use to hate Montreal So much..lol...Great Content!

[@dquigsolar7255]

Being a Bruins fan for over (tooooo. many years). we hated Chris Nilan, called him every name in book, today, I'm a fan of the man. Always respected his heart and his fight(if he wasn't fighting us) You made it through man, you made it through. You parents are in the suite watching. Taz, what can you say. Never enough words.

[@joanneramos2107]

Keep it up Chris. Want my kids to meet you!

[@stevebeman8298]

With all do respect Chris, .. Id really prefer to hear a one on one interview with Taz & yourself along with Timmer…. as he’s the epitome of what it means to be a Bruin!

[@davessparetime83]

Here in Rochester we always called Gilles Lupien Big Bird when he was with Nova Scotia. When I played Hockey I always knew to leave my wing and cover for the defenseman on the blue line when he went in or cover for the center if he went to the boards on my side. None on my teammates ever did that.

[@strengthmuscle5529]

I see Terry at teh beah on occasion with his dogs, what a legend! Got some pics w/ him... (Salisbury MA)

[@cq6754]

Wish I had made the Alumni game in Napanee, Ontario, on November 19,20223. Have a friend who plyed on your Alumni team on your line with Carbo. His name is Rod McNeil! God bless you Knuckes you are the best.

[@harlandsbff]

Can't wait to watch this one tonight!