bruins 6 - canadiens 1

The Bruins faced their oldest and bitterest rivals last night, in a game that showed just how motivated this young squad can be. Having lost all regular season match-ups against the Canadiens last season, and finally falling to the Habs in the seventh (heartbreaking) game in last year’s playoffs, the B's had ample reason to bring their best effort to last night's match.

And their best effort was indeed impressive.

This Bruins team is at their best when they use their speed and grit on the forecheck to create opportunities from their opposition's mistakes. It may read like a sports cliche, but it really is true - the Bruins created their own success last night by aggressively bringing their own game to the Canadiens.

The B's took advantage of errant passes, defensive breakdowns, and in one case, a "brain-cramp" from Hab goalie Cary Price (who played the puck in the no-go-zone behind the net) to jump out to an early lead. Coupled with their strong play the Bruins also had timely luck - they scored with only a few seconds left in the first period - to really break the back of the Canadiens' offense. From there the Bruins were able to keep their energy up, and give the hometown fans something to cheer (and jeer) about.

Manny Fernandez was solid in nets, improving to 4-0-1 in his last five starts. The Bruins retain sole possession of first place in the NE Division, and have won 8 of their last 9 games.

Of note: I have heard precious little from the millions of Canadiens fans I am surrounded by here in Montreal...the opposite of what I had to deal with all last year.

Also of note: Mike Komiserak has a lot less to say with Milan Lucic's fists in his mouth (see image above).

It is extremely satisfying to see the Bruins so completely dominate a game, especially against their long-time rivals.

There are some highlights here.