I was really trying to avoid being a jinx. I wrote about some of the Canadiens games and nothing came of them besides agonizing defeat. So I held off. Wanted to wait til it was over. And I did. And then we spanked Philly in game 1 and I wanted to wait longer still. I was finally going to write one before the start of last nights game, but I thought, hey they’ve done so good so far I will hold off.

But I can no longer wait. BRUINS BRUINS BRUINS. Who can beat us when our top 3 lines are playing fucking solid as ever. Tim Thomas is on his fucking game. Coach Claude seems to be pairing up lines really well. Even tho they were in Philly, meaning Philly gets last change. They just don’t seem to have an answer for our line combinations. And it also doesn’t hurt when your goaltender saves 46 straight shots after going down 2-0. Tim had a total of 52 saves in the game, stopping a playoff record for the Flyers. Yeah that was a playoff record for their team for shots in a single playoff game. Too bad it ended in a loss huh. This is the kind of goaltending we needed and expected from Thomas. The people who say low scoring hockey game are no fun to watch, need to watch Tim Thomas play goalie. He scares the living shit out of me after every save, and I love every second of it.

The win is big, but we did not deserve to win. James van Reimsdyke was a monster. This kid has matured into a serious threat. He leads the playoffs with goals (7) and shots on goal (59). No one is even close to him in the shots on goal race. But as the crowd chanted JVD, Thomas just kept denying him. After allowing his first two, Timmy was not gonna allow the 21 year old to notch a hat trick. And he probably had 5 legit scoring chances to get that third tally.

Again it’s hard to be proud of this game. But the win is all that matters. The Flyers heavily out played us in the second and especially the third periods. The Flyers had 22 SOG in the third. It was evident our team was fatigued from all the offensive zone pressure we were under all game. It has to be terribly demoralizing to beat the crap out of a team, the Bruins, and still lose. We had no right to even be in the game. Tim Thomas stole a game for us, and possibly the series. That was a back breaking defeat, and now having to come to the garden in an 0-2 hole is quite the task for the Flyers. I know we’re a perfect example of not getting complacent up 2-0, seeing how we came back against the Habs. But another reason to not get complacent is that this Flyers team embarrassed us all last year coming back from a 3 games to none deficit.

I cannot and will not admit that the Flyers have a chance. The team we have now is almost completely different from last years team. We have way more scoring depth and Timmy T is playing out of his mind. Injuries to Jeff Carter and Chris Pronger are really hurting the Flyers. They’re both big presences on their respective lines.

How about a little round of applause for our third line. Seemingly every time they’re out there something good happens. Mike Ryder, Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley have formed some fantastic chemistry. They are cycling the puck well, getting to the dirty areas of the ice, and finding the back of the net. Kelly is tied with Marchand, Krej, and Horton for the team lead in goals with 4. Did anyone see that coming? No. I really like Rich Peverley. He is a terrific skater and always seems to make the right play. I really hope we sign him for next year. But doubtful.

The Second line is probably our most consistent line throughout this post season. Bergy, Rex and Marchand have elevated their game to a whole new level. They added a new cycle to their game. Or it’s just noticeably better than it ever was. They cycle a high guy across the entire offensive zone. The high man then finds the holes in the Phily zone. And like Marchand did last night, they receive a pass from the corner and find the back of the net. Marchand leads all rookies in scoring with 9 points this post season.

An update on Adam McQuaid. He flew home with the team after being cleared to leave a local Philadelphia hospital. He has a sprained neck and is day to day. My assumption would be that The Sheriff will get the start at home for Adam in game 3. I like Shane Hnidy and his experience can’t hurt either.

Game 3 is in Boston on Wednesday. I cannot wait for the start of this game. The puck drops at 7. Playoff hockey baby there is nothing better.

Wait this series is over already? Four straight wins for the aging Celtics gives them a nice week off before the start of the second round. The Celts can return home to their bed side nurses and bingo games back at their retirement homes. Ha I love that everyone hates on them, but when they blow out the Knicks in 4 games they’re once again the team to beat in the East. Great defense and productivity from their second squad is exactly what they needed and what they got.

They will most likely be playing the Miami Heat. The Heat haven’t looked too great against the 76ers. Even tho they were up 3 games to none, the 76er’s had a chance to win in last minute of 2 of those games, but couldn’t. Philly won game 4 because the Heat couldn’t hit another end of the game shot. They are 1-19 shooting for the last shot when down by 3 points or less. And that one shot that dropped, didn’t do shit, they still lost that game. Basically the Heat cannot mount comebacks when down late. So key to beating the Heat… have a lead late in the game? Is it that easy to diagnose? The 76er’s forced a game 5 in Miami which I’d like to bet that they’ll lose.

What I’m happiest about is that the C’s played as a team. They got great contributions from someone new each night. Jermaine stepped up in game one. Game two Rondo dropped 30. Game 3 Ray, Paul and Rondo went off. If the C’s can play like they did in game 3, there is NO TEAM IN THE NBA that can even compete with them. And in game 4, KG played a great 2-way game and was a primary reason for the C’s series clinching victory in New York.

The week of rest is exactly what the C’s need. They are an older team and this week of rest and practice can only help. Doc Rivers is probably one of the best game planning coaches in the league. He had a fantastic scheme to shut down Melo and/or Amare, and once they did, the Knicks offense was anemic. It also helped that Chauncy missed the final 2 games, and Amare’s back was obviously hindering his play. But none the less, the game plan worked. And let me guarantee you this, the C’s game plan will be to shut down 2 of the big Miami 3. And if they can’t shut down 2 of them, they will definitely shut down at least 1 of them. Thus it’ll will fall on the shoulder’s of either Wade, James, or Bosh to win the game for their team. And I honestly don’t think that the Heat can play team basketball, emphasis on the word TEAM. They are way too individually driven.

The search giant Google has released the BETA of Google Offers to take on Groupon, one of the fastest growing companies ever. Google tried to buy Groupon last November for $6 Billion and Groupon declined, resulting in Google launching their own service. Google says “Google Offers is a new product to help potential customers and clientele find great deals in their area through a daily email”. 

Everyday subscribers will receive their local deal-of-the-day voucher, that they can buy within 24 hours.  An example of the service would be that you would buy a $25 deal for a $50 coupon to use at that given business, which you can share with friends via Google Buzz, Twitter and Facebook. Once you receive your deal, you may purchase it through Google Checkout, and print out a copy to bring with you to the store.

Google is pushing for their NFC payment system this year, and I can see them accommodating their Offers service to work with it. Google Offers is only limited to a few areas at this point, NYC Downtown, NYC Midtown, NYC Uptown, Oakland / East Bat, Portland Oregon, and San Francisco, but no deals are available just yet.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjF9-rns5Ng

HAHAHAHA FUCK YOU MONTREAL! Never lead in the game. But resiliency pays off. Everyone hated on Ryder but now he cashes in twice and everyone loves him! That’s how the puck bounces I guess.. Oh well Fuck You Montreal! I hate you all and the series is tied up 2 a piece. Suck it. Gotta take care of business at home. Game 5 is Saturday. Let’s gooooooo

Bruins Win! Bruins Win! Bruins 4. Canadiens 2. Series is 2-1 MTL with one more game in the Bell Centre. The B’s had to steal at least one in Montreal to make sure they’ll be another home showing for the Beantown faithful, and they did just that. Stealing the first game in Montreal. It was also the Bruin’s first and only win in Montreal this season in 4 attempts.

You want to know what really pisses me off? It’s how fucking classless the Montreal fans are. They boo the American National Anthem. Like how fucking disrespectful and disgraceful. The fans are as classless as their beloved players. The Canadiens are taught, encouraged, and commended when they dive, antagonize, and ultimately play like pussies. It’s sad that they are named the Canadiens, because it kind of disgraces the rest of the Canadian hockey nation. Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, or Toronto do not put on their best Oscar performances every time they touch the ice. It’s not how you play the game. From the creation of the game, there has been stick work, position jousting, and physical play. And it has always been a gentleman’s policy to play the game at the best of your ability and work to draw penalties the legitimate way. Not to dive and flop every time someones stick or body nudges you. It just flat out makes me pissed off. Win a game the right way, an honest way, the way that makes people say, “Wow, that was a great game and a great win.” I just can’t stand it. Straight up spitting in the eyes of everyone who ever played the game with integrity. Let this be a lesson to all the young hockey players out there, if you want to learn how to play the game with integrity and honor, do not, I REPEAT, DO NOT WATCH HOW THE MONTREAL CANADIENS play the game. Utterly disgusting. I wish the worst for everyone on the Habs.

Back to the booing. I just get so worked up on how fuckin pussy the Canadiens play their game. The Bell Centre employees had to tell and post signs around the rink, saying “Do not disrespect the American National Anthem.” First of all do you seriously have to say that to anyone? Only the scum of the Earth can do such a thing. I understand chanting “Canada” or “USA” it’s a pride thing. But it really doesn’t make much sense. Why does it not make much sense? Because the Captain of the Montreal Canadiens is a god dam American. Yes, that’s a serious thing, and it caused much controversy when they named 5’7″ Brian Gionta their team captain. They actually have more American’s on their squad than the B’s do. Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez, Max Pacinthehospital, Hal Gill, James Wisniewski, just to name a few. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not just hating on the Habs. The Bruin’s faithful likes to chant “USA” and they only have 2 Americans on their team, and only 1 of them start, Tim Thomas. But booing a countries national anthem? Just the scummiest of the nastiest of the ignorant-est of the.. you get the point. Fuck the Montreal Canadiens and their fans. Yeah I said it. I hate them all. Boom what up. Say something.

Well since I’ve gone completely off track with this angry rant, I’ll keep this short. The Bruins won the most crucial must-win of the season last night. Finally seeing their first lead of the series with a goal by David Krejci. The game started off terribly with a too many man penalty just a couple minutes into the game. Chara got out there a little to eagerly and got caught. Chara lead all Bruin’s with time on ice last night. Glad to see him skating well and making strong defensive plays. The B’s play a much more relaxed and confident game when their Captain is in the line up.

The B’s pulled out to a comfortable 3-0 lead with tallies by Rich Peverley and Nathan Horton. Each notched their first career post season goal. The Canadiens mounted a come back by tallying two weak goals on Thomas. Each slipped through the 5-hole and each one was definitely a goal Mr. Vezina would like to have back. But after allowing the 2 weak ones, Tim Thomas showed us all why he is the leading candidate for the Vezina this year. Continually making timely and terrific saves. He robbed Gomez on the door step with under 3 minutes left, and saving me from committing suicide.

I think the goals by Peverley and Horton will go a long way to build their confidence up and could be the turning point of the series. The second line, and predominantly Bergy has been playing pretty strong hockey. The Bruin’s needed their first line and third line to step it up. These lines accounted for all 4 of the B’s goals (Chris Kelly added an empty netter late in the 3rd).

There is 2 days off in between games 3 and 4. Game 4 is on Thursday @ 7 PM. Watch it. It’s gonna be another great game.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJgxRui-bjQ

Yup. Ray Ray does it again. The Celtics post the first victory of the 2010-2011 series with a stunning late shot by Ray Allen. Like if you were to ask me which Celtic would bang the game winning shot late in the game against the NY Knicks, my obvious answer would be Ray Allen. Ray fucking Allen. Enough said. The guy is the definition of clutch. Off balance, hand in the face, no sweat. Just silky smooth twine music.

The Celtics came out sluggish. Down at half time. Not playing Celtic basketball. Don’t matter. We keep it close and close it out in the end. Big ups to Jermaine O’Neal. Finally showed up for a game this season. I think that was his first good game. Well at least he picked a good game to break out. Jermaine O’Neal made all six shots he took while chipping in 12 points, four rebounds and four blocked shots, over 22:34. He also drew two charges and almost single-handedly turned the game around for Boston in the second half.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the Celtics win. There was a questionable offensive foul called on Carmelo when guarded by Pierce. It was a nice acting job by Pierce but Melo is pretty physical and likes to use his arms to push off and gain separation from his defender. The foul turned the ball over to the C’s with less than 30 seconds left. And the above video shows what happens. KG got out to the top of the three point line and set up a nice ball screen for Ray to roll around and get open for a spot up 3 pointer. Douglas was defending Allen, he was caught up by the screen of KG and flopped to the floor trying to get a foul called. Hey Douglas, you will never get a foul drawn on you by a HOFer, well not at least until people know your first name. I know that I didn’t know who the fuck you were until I read up about your flopping, Mr. Toney Douglas. Who spells Toney that way? Oh well. You got a front row floor* seat to watching Ray Ray bang a game winning 3 pointer. Enjoy your 15 seconds of fame.

Billups went down on a kind of phantom injury in the fourth quarter. It was diagnosed as a knee sprain and his is ruled out for game 2, but is likely to get the start in game 3 in New York. Shaq is also out for game 2 and his return is questionable for the remainder of the series. Shaq told ESPNBoston earlier that he hopes to get into game action by the end of this series. Let’s just focus on Jermaine O’Neal for now. If he can continue to gather rebounds and be a presence down low, the C’s have everything they need for another late post season run. As long as he can stay outta foul trouble, I can see Jermaine being a serious X-factor for the C’s, and if the other O’Neal can return, watch out.

Not only is this the BoSox’s first winning streak of the season, but it’s a god dam Jed Lowrie show! Lowrie went 4-5 with a home run and 4 RBI’s. He is our savior! Jed has 15 hits in his last 24 at bats. His season batting average is .516. I get it. He’s only played a few games. But we’ve won the last 2 games primarily because of him. He has 2 home runs on the season and is crushing the ball all over Fenway Park. The Red Sox had a season-high 13 hits and matched their season high with the 9 runs. They had three home runs in a game for the first time in 2011 and set another season standard with six extra-base hits. Every starter reached base at least once and eight of them had a hit.

The Sox are still in last place in the East, but are only 4.5 games back of the first place Yankees. And with only 147 games left, that margin seems less insurmountable. The Yanks are actually the only team in the East with a current winning record. The Sox are only a game and a half out of second place. I think it’s safe to say that this team will start getting on track. Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youkilis, Ortiz, and Gonzalez are getting their stride going. Pedroia leads the team with 18 hits. Ellsbury leads the team with 4 homeruns. Big Papi is tied for first in RBI’s. And Youk leads the team in doubles and walks. If only Crawford would get his head outta his ass. And I don’t expect much from Saltalamacchia or “Insert right fielder here” for much productivity.

Boston’s left fielder, Carl Crawford, signed a $142 million, seven-year contract in the off-season with the Sox. Why do I say this? Because he’s earned about none of it to this point. But today, he broke a 0-for-15 slump with an RBI double that made it 8-0 in the sixth. Crawford was booed after his at-bat previously, but received a standing ovation as he raised his batting average to .136 (8-for-59) after his RBI double. Everyone is saying he’ll come around. He’ll be the player worth the $142. Let’s fuckin hope so. When Crawford turns his game around, and rest of the team is hitting on all cylinders, I think it’s safe to say not many teams will or can beat the Red Sox.

It is great to see Big Papi driving balls thru and past the shift. That seemed to be the cause of his early underproduction the last two seasons. He looks a little lighter on his feet in the batters box, and he isn’t getting smoked as easily with inside pitches. Mind you the inside pitches would be labeled Pesky’s home run property in the 07 and earlier seasons. But it’s nice that we don’t have to count on him to be our home run hitter anymore with the likes of Ellsbury hitting dingers. Ha Jacoby is showing some pop in his bat in this early season. What I would like to see is Adrian hitting for power. We need some more home run production and Gonzalez needs to start dishing out souvenirs to the Fenway faithful.

Daisuke, easily overshadowed by another impressive showing by Jed Lowrie, deserves a tip of the cap. Dice-K thru for 7 strong innings. Matsuzaka left after just 89 pitches, throwing 58 of them for strikes. I liked this move by Tito, keep up Daisuke strong momentum for the team, as well as conserving his energy. This could be the big confidence booster Daisuke has been looking for all last season and to the early start of this season. Giving up just one hit to the high powered Toronto offense is quite the a feat for a guy entering the game with an 0-2 record and ERA equivalent to John Henry’s blood pressure. Wakefield allowed the lone Blue Jay run, conceding a solo home run by Yunel Escobar in the 9th inning.

The Red Sox travel out to the West Coast for the first time this season on a 6 game roady. They’ll spend 2 days in Oakland taking on the Athletics. Then off to Anaheim for a 4 game series with the Angels. I like Lackey to get turned around against his old team.

I know this is a tad big late. But it’s my post so I can do what I want. Will there be any upsets in the first round? Is there really ever a first round upset?

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Indiana Pacers

This is a no brainer. I got Chicago in 4 games.

2. Miami Heat vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers

I think this isn’t going to be an easy series for Miami. I like Iguodala as a tough match up for the Heat defenders. I still think the Heat will get it done. I see it ending in game 5 with the Heat winning at home.

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. New York Knicks

This is an epic match up if you ask me. There are real big name players on both these teams. Melo, Billups and Amare. Pierce, Allen, KG, and Rondo. Man those are some serious NBA All-Stars. I like Boston in 6 games.

4. Orlando Magic vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks

I think that this will be the match up to watch in the East. Two teams that have consistently been on the brink of being serious contenders. I know Orlando made it to the finals a couple years back. But they have a whole new squad. They know how to score the basket and with a monster like Dwight down low I can’t see Orlando losing. The Hawks seem to always sit in that 5th seed year after year and I think they’ll have to wait another year to make it outta the first round. I like Orlando in 7 games.

Western Conference Quarterfinals

1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8 Memphis Grizzlies

Seriously the Memphis Grizzlies? They made the playoffs? Is it their first time ever in Memphis making the post season? Who the fuck knows. I got San Antonio in 4 games.

2. LA Lakers vs. 7. New Orleans Hornets

I love CP3 and West. I like how the Hornets play. But they don’t have the squad to compete with the Lakers. Kobe is a playoff legend and he wants immortality. And he has a chance to do so this year with another championship. Lakers in 5 games.

3. Dallas Mavericks vs. 6. Portland Trailblazers

Portland, a team riddled with injuries that continues to win. I have to root for teams like this. Losing their number one draft pick year after year. They’re best player (Roy) goes down and tries battling back with no success. While Dallas is another team who is looking to finally get over the playoff hump and reach the promise land. They are always near the top but never seem to close the deal in the West. Dallas wins in 6 games.

4. OKC Thunder vs. 5. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are one of the hottest teams since trading away their franchise player. Makes you think whether Melo was holding them back? But the team that’s even hotter than the Nuggets are the Thunder. They are red hot entering the playoffs and their young studs are looking to topple over the Hegemon that has established itself atop the Western Conference. Oklahoma City wins in 7 games.

I guess I should have posted Bad Bruins instead of Big Bad Bruins. Just pathetic. Simply awful. Plainly hideous. Whoa-fully sickening. Get it yet. Fucking terrible. I waited for game 2 to even think about writing a blog because I seriously wasn’t surprised that Carey Price would stand on his head. I wasn’t planning on it being the first game of the series. But I did plan on him single handedly winning A SINGLE game for them. A single game. Just one. Not 2. It’s hard to even point a finger because we don’t have enough to spread the blame around. I hear President Neely on the phone looking for a new head coach as we speak.

Ok. I hope I’m getting a little ahead of myself with that last line. But if we get swept Claude’s reign will certainly be over. One goal in two friggin games. That is absolutely ridiculous. We’re shooting the puck right into the chest of Price. He’s giving up rebounds but the forwards are no where to be found. We miss wide open nets. Apart from Bergy’s lone goal where he would have been castrated if he couldn’t find the back of the net from the feed by Marchand. The single tiny glimmer of light has been the play of the second line. But still, nothing to be pleased with.

David Krejci has seemingly crumbled under the pressure. He had such a heavy load all season having to fill Savard’s skates, it appears his back has finally broken. He’s over skating pucks. Not catching passes. Not executing break outs. Getting tossed around the offensive zone. Not finding his big men. Just plainly not playing his game. But he is not the only one to blame. His two line mates appear to be shell shocked. The one play I can even remember is when Lucic couldn’t roof the puck and made Price look like he made an unbelievable save. All I’ve heard from NESN is that Lucic shows up in the big games. I haven’t seen him yet…

I think Claude should play his fourth line more if you ask me. They’re the only ones who seem to make shit happen. The other lines will fuck around in the offensive zone but come up with jack shit. They go out there trying to hurt someone and make a god dam difference. The other lines seem to want to make the fuckin highlight reel. Enough fancy shit. More pucks on net. I know Price saved 31 in his shut out and 35 last night. But that’s not good enough. He’s too big. He’ll make the initial save every time. The B’s need some traffic in front. They need to be parked right on the tip of Price’s crease.

Again I’m just a pissed off fan. The Bruin’s really haven’t been outplayed. They have more scoring chances in both games. But they are just chances. All that matters if the scoreboard. The Bruin’s have not put back to back strong periods together and with the opportunistic Canadien’s quick strike offense continuing to cash in, the B’s need to figure something out. And figure it out fast.

Going to Montreal down 2 games was not even a thought to me. At worst I thought it’d go 1 to 1 back to the Bell Centre. But it is what it is and the Bruin’s need to get their head’s outta their asses and realized that they are on borrowed time now. They were winless all season in MTL and the Hab’s were among one of the best home teams in all the NHL. Let’s just say it’s a really steep hill to climb. Is it just another season of being a pathetic Bruin’s fan. I sure fucking hope not. Game 3 is Monday @ 7:30. If there was ever a non-elimination-must-win.. It’s tomorrow night.

The best time of the year is upon us. The NHL post season. Yes, it kicked off last night. And all my teams I picked to win their series won. So I’m feeling pretty good about my picks as of right now. But I will feel millions of times better if my Bruin’s can start this series off with an impressive win tonight. The Bruin’s have no excuses this year. It’s championship or bust. Nothing less. They have writers, television hosts, hockey analysts, coaches, players, and fans all picking them to be favorites in the Eastern Conference. I like this. Some people say they don’t want that kind of pressure on their team. I do. It brings out character. It’s easy to be a success story when you aren’t expected to do shit. And when your lowly hopes are succeeded upon it makes a nice fairy tale that they exceeded expectations. Fuck that. Champions succeed period. High expectations are acclimated because the team is obviously good. And if your good, you win games. The Bruins are good, they have high expectations, us the fans have high hopes for them… succeed, win, dominate. It’s the Bruin’s time, they have the depth at forward, they have the punishing defense, they have the stellar goaltending. It’s time to win. Not for any other reason other than it’s our time to etch our names in the greatest trophy in all of sports. It’s time. Seriously the Cup shits on Commissioners (MLB), Lombardi, and O’Brien (NBA in case you were wondering) trophies. WTF the O’Brien trophy? Spare me. This season will be a failure if they do not at least make it to the promise land.

The Bruin’s have everything that it takes to win a championship. They don’t have the experience. That’s what I’ve been hearing is their only downfall. Fuck that. Rex and Thorny have won a cup. They have playoff vets like Ference, Chara, Bergy, Kelly, Kaberle, Ryder and Thomas. Each have some playoff experience with either the B’s or another team. We have young studs who can rise to the occasion like Lucic, Horton, Campbell, Marchand, Boychuk, and McQuaid. Our defense is as solid as it’s ever been top to bottom. Our offense has new comers like Kelly and Peverley who want to make a strong impression on the players, fans, and front office. I really like Rich Peverley in this Canadien’s match up. I think their style of play suits his game really well. Don’t be surprised if we see some terrific play outta Peverley and the entire third line. Ryder, a former Hab should have some extra incentive to cash in against his old team. And Chris Kelly, a former Senator, and Northeastern Division foe, knows the intensity and rivalries that lie in the Northeastern Division.

Our fourth line may be the key to this entire series. I’m kind of assuming that Seguin will be in the press box for this years playoffs, barring any injuries or serious performance lacks. I like Paille on the fourth with Campbell and Thorny. Brings a nice balance of speed, power, physicality, and grit which most teams can’t put out there with their fourth lines. The Habs will have to focus on either the first or second line of the Bruin’s and really try to lock down defensively on them. Leaving the third and fourth lines to match up either against the Habs finesse line, or against their lesser forwards. Our depth and scoring ability thru all four lines should be the key for us. If we can get contributions from the fourth line there is no way they will be able to hang with us in a 7 game series. Focusing so much energy trying to shut down either the Krejci or Bergeron line will cause serious match up problems and fatigue problems which the Campbell and Kelly lines need to cash in on. Once again, I really like our third line for scoring, and our fourth line for offensive zone pressure, drawing penalties, and bringing the north-south physicality that will wear down the much smaller Canadien’s forwards.

The special teams could be the difference maker in this series. The Bruin’s are the best 5-on-5 team in the NHL. They have scored 177 goals at even strength. They had a drop off in productivity on the penalty kill this year. They are usually ranked in the top 10 but this year they just feel outside that at 16th in the NHL. The B’s power-play is still lacking what we’d all been hoping for. Even with the acquisition of Kaberle, the B’s power-play has not performed well. In the playoffs the power-play must kick it up a notch. And I seriously think that it will. Kaberle seems to be much more comfortable in the Bruin’s system and the B’s are more ready for the creative passes that Kaberle fires around the ice. The Habs are one of only 4 teams ranked in the top 10 in PP efficiency and PK efficiency. They’re definitely a tough test all around on the special teams. But the Bruin’s should look to stay outta the box as much as possible. I’m not saying to not hit or be physical, I’m saying they have to be smart. The pussy ass Canadien’s like to dive, hack, and stick some cheap shots into their bag of tricks, and avoiding stupid penalties and just beating them on the scoreboard is what they should be focused on. However, the Bruin’s must bring their physical game to the table early and often.

The B’s are one of the best teams in the league when their blood starts boiling. If Looch and Horton get into it physically and emotionally, they are players on a mission. It’s easier said than done. But it must be done. And I think the best way to get them into the game emotionally is for their centerman to get them into position and get them the pucks in scoring areas on the ice. Krejci is the catalyst on the first line, he dictates the play for the other 2 big wingers. He needs to dominate the offensive zone with his puck handling and control and let the big boys find their spots and impose their will in front and behind the net. Laying the lumber on the much smaller Canadien forwards will really hinder their play later in the series. The fourth line will also be called upon to bring the pain. Guys like Campbell and Thorny need to play with grit and Paille needs to use his speed to get in the zone, start the forecheck and cause havoc.

As every series does, it’ll come down to goaltending. And these two teams have two of the NHL’s best netminders. Tim Thomas is a lock for the Vezina. And Carey Price is the team MVP up in Montreal. He played in 72 games this year, setting a Canadien’s record for goalies. But there has been a long list of great goalies that underperform in the playoffs after seeing 70+ games in the regular season. Price is only 23, but will the constant pressure and league leading minutes in the crease start to wear on him? Not sure, if I’d have to guess, I’d say no. How can anyone be worn down for a Bruins vs. Canadien’s series. If he can put on the performance that Halak did last year for the Habs the Bruin’s could be in some serious trouble. But I cannot see Price stealing the show from Thomas. He’s a wiley veteran who refuses to give up on any play. He finds ways to stop pucks, unconventional or not, he gets the job done day in and day out.

I am so fucking pumped right now. I cannot wait for this series to kick off. Let’s go boys. It’s our year. I’ve said that before, but I am really amped about this team and I finally think we have all the right pieces of the puzzle to raise Lord Stanley’s cup in June. Championship or bust. One game at a time. One goal at a time. It’s our time.