It’s Called the Playoffs

Posted by David Green April 10, 2008 at 1:02 am

There’s just something about playoff hockey. Maybe you don’t agree, and maybe that’s because it’s been so long since Bruins fans had a chance to experience any without grabbing a remote. But the wait is almost over, as the puck drops on the B’s and the Canadiens tonight in Montreal.

The Black and Gold have been the ugly stepchild on the Boston sports scene recently. After all, with the Sox, Pats and now the Celtics reigning supreme, it’s hard to crack the headlines. Heck, even the Revs have made it to three championship games. So revel in this return to the postseason, B’s fans. Especially because it might not last long.

The numbers against Les Habitants this season? They’re not pretty. I could go into details, but NECN has a content filter that prevents me from getting too graphic. (Seriously, I tried and was cruelly rebuffed.) The B’s 0-7-1 record against Montreal this season has gotten the most press, but if you look closer at the Canadiens’ offense, that’s what’s really scary. The Habs possess the most potent power play in hockey… and that unit has murdered the Bruins this season to the tune of 29.4 percent. You better believe the goal judge will be ready to light the lamp as soon as any Bruin steps into the box this series.

It might seem like I’m ragging on the Bruins; I’m not. At least I’m not trying to. I’m excited about the B’s return to the playoffs, and hope they can pull off the upset. At the very least, Boston sports fans should take notice of the team and get behind the Bruins.

But even if fans start paying attention (which you should), bear in mind that Boston is not Montreal when it comes to hockey. Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau says about 150 people honk their horns at him in a show of support when he drives to practice every day. If you surveyed 150 people in Boston, how many would even recognize Claude Julien? Yeah, that’s what I thought.