One Hundred Years of Bruins Nightmares

After over an hour of celebrations marking the Canadiens' 100-year anniversary, tonight's game between the Bruins and Habs got off to a fast start, but it was clear within a few shifts that the Bruins were not going to be able to compete with le Bleu, Blanc et Rouge on this much-hyped evening.

The Canadiens scored early and scored often in this utterly brutal match-up between these long-time rivals. The game pivoted when the Bruins were given a full two-minute 2-man advantage, but were not able to capitalize (or, it would seem to this Bruins fan, even register a shot) on the 5-on-3, and within a few minutes of the penalties ending, the Habs were potting goals in quick succession.

The Bruins gave up 4 goals in the 2nd period alone, and, instead of playing the quick-moving, hard-hitting style they've shown lately, chose instead to play a softer, Bantam-level game of giveaways, blown checks, and skate-bys, that ultimately cost them the game.

Matt Hunwick had a terrible game, perfectly setting up one Canadiens' goal (by shooting it at Tim Thomas), and, via a blown body check of one player, blown coverage of another, and finally not picking up his man deep in the offensive zone, was ultimately responsible for another goal against. Derek Morris also fanned on a pass from the blue line, then allowed the Hab forwards to march in, uncontested, for another goal. The ludicrous giveaways and errors continued all night and led to 5-goals against.

Tim Thomas was spared the indignity of having to come out in the 3rd period, giving Tuukka Rask the opportunity to try to save a lacklustre Bruins' effort. The B's potted a quick one (bringing the score to 5-1), and then were given a 4-minute powerplay, that, like all Bruins powerplays, led to nothing positive for the Bruins and was actually physically painful to watch. In fact, the Habs had more chances than the Bruins did. This powerplay led to another 2-man advantage, and then another powerplay, but the Bruins had no goals to show for it and frankly, had little dangerous action.

On the whole, this was a nightmare night for the Bruins, Bruins fans, and especially, Bruins fans living in Montreal who are surrounded by the Canadiens faithful and their smug expressions (despite their 12th-place in the Eastern standings).

I was really hoping for a strong game from the B's - at least a competitive effort - but the Bruins honestly had absolutely nothing to show for themselves tonight. They spent the entire night making the Canadiens look a lot better than they actually are, which is the worst thing you can do for your bitterest rival, whether 100 years ago, or now.