The Bad News Bears
Last season the Bruins went 0-8 against Les Habitantes in the 2007-2008 season. When they matched up in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, similar results were expected. However, the scrappy B's took the cashed Canadiens to game 7, where they were unfortunately, yet convincingly dumped from playoff contention. But needless to say, the folks in Boston had already started looking forward to 2008-2009 season before the puck was even dropped in that fateful game 7.
Currently, the Bruins have the second most points in the NHL, are tied for the most wins in the league, and have the best record in the Eastern Conference. Boston has warmed back up to the B's after nearly two full decades of mediocrity, squandered opportunities, and miserly management. But this isn't the first time the Bruins have shown some promise.
In the 2001-2002 season, the Bruins finished in first place in the Eastern Conference, but were promptly defeated by the 8th-seeded Habs in the first round.
In the 2003-2004 season, the Bruins would drop a 3-1 series lead over, who else but, the Canadiens, eventually losing in 7 games.
So, to say that B's fans are entertaining this current squad with "guarded optimism" would be an understatement. After all, most B's fans are still Red Sox fans at heart.
Why they are Contenders: Aside from their current record, the B's have been dispatching many playoff contenders convincingly. Currently they're 4-1 against the Canadiens, they beat the Red Wings early on, and have handled the lower seeds in the conference with very little resistance. And the Bruins are arguably 3 full lines deep, chock full of savvy veterans and playmakers. Oh, and they have the best goalie in the league in Tim Thomas.
Why B's fans should be nervous: They're currently 2-1 against the Capitals and Devils. And lately they've been less than impressive going 2-6 in their last 8, with only 6 points to show over that period, leading critics to wonder if the Bruins may have peaked too early and if their physical style of play has begun to wear them down. And while their youth movement has been a great source of strength early in the season, one can't help but wonder if the lack of experience could hurt them in a 7 game series.
Players to watch:
Zdeno Chara - Big Z is arguably one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. He's also 8-feet tall and can't be messed with. As long as he keeps his errant passes to a minimum, the Bruins stout, layered defense should be able to keep them in low-scoring games.
David Krejci - One of the most underrated players in the league is currently second on the team in points with 59 (behind Marc Savard who has 67). His ability to slow the game down and find the open man is truly extraordinary. Oh, and he's only 22 years old, but plays like a 10-year veteran.
Milan Lucic - If you're walking around Boston and see some trashball with a "Lucic Crew" shirt on, please don't be dissuaded from loving this young man. He has cooled down after a hot start, was dropped to the third line, but has since been placed back into his role as first-line enforcer. He is often compared to Cam Neely, and while B's fans should probably consider this blasphemy, Lucic is just do damn likable that they can't help but go along with it. If Lucic can stay tough and keep fore-checking like he knows how, then the Bruins pressure offense could very well pay off come playoff time.
Clips of the season:
Lucic hates Canadiens
Blake Wheeler is pretty... So, pretty
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