CHICAGO HOCKEY INSIDER | NHL TEAM | CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Predators' Michael McCarron ignites verbal battle with Blackhawks fans in United Center penalty box on Friday

PUBLICATION

Sam Walker
November 29, 2025 (1:52 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

There was a crazy scene in Chicago when a big hit on Oliver Moore of the Chicago Blackhawks sent tempers flaring and led to a jaw-dropping exchange from Michael McCarron of the Nashville Predators in the United Center penalty box.

Moore, the Blackhawks' 2023 first-round pick, escaped a serious injury after a hit from a Predators player that should honestly result in a suspension.

According to one fan capture on social media, McCarron wound up in the penalty box and didn't stay quiet.

McCarron, a 6′6″ forward drafted 25th overall in 2013, has long walked the line between NHL depth forward and enforcer-type energy guy; at 30 years old, he still hasn't carved out a consistent top-six spot.

The hit on Moore triggered a brawl that drew a penalty to McCarron.

That was followed by a moment that'll stick: McCarron turned toward the crowd and started chirping back-not just the nearby younger fans wearing Bedard jerseys, but also the older Blackhawks faithful further back. It struck many as a bold, even reckless, show of attitude.

That taunt from the box may help explain why McCarron never fully cemented himself in the NHL.

His game has always skated the edge; offense has been limited, and he carries a reputation for being rugged rather than refined. Opponents and fans alike expect physicality, but reactions like the one in Chicago don't exactly help build reliability.

Box-chirp defines Predators' McCarron moment

Even among Predators fans there was a pause-McCarron's energy pumped up some teammates, but many wondered if that kind of public provocation crossed a line, especially in a division road game. There's a real difference between grit and showboating when the spotlight is on.

Meanwhile Moore, 20 and just breaking into the NHL after signing an entry-level deal in March, looked shaken but stayed in the game.

The Blackhawks will likely protect him with extra support from teammates. As for McCarron, he earned his penalty and the attention-but whether that carries weight or just controversy remains to be seen.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Former Blackhawks defenseman inks two-year deal to continue hockey career

Former Chicago Blackhawks fan favorite proving he's worth every penny in New York with the Rangers

Vancouver Canucks requesting to acquire a Chicago Blackhawks top prospect plus a 1st round pick in a trade

POLL
NOVEMBRE 29 \| 113 ANSWERS Predators' Michael McCarron ignites verbal battle with Blackhawks fans in United Center penalty box on Friday Do you think Michael McCarron's "penalty box chirp" helps or hurts his reputation?
Helps his edge	16	14.2 %
Hurts his image	57	50.4 %
No effect	31	27.4 %
Hard to say	9	8 %
List of polls

Predators' Michael McCarron ignites verbal battle with Blackhawks fans in United Center penalty box on Friday

There was a crazy scene in Chicago when a big hit on Oliver Moore of the Chicago Blackhawks sent tempers flaring and led to a jaw-dropping exchange from Michael McCarron of the Nashville Predators in the United Center penalty box.

Box-chirp defines Predators' McCarron moment

Do you think Michael McCarron's "penalty box chirp" helps or hurts his reputation?