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.

Bruins Lose to Canadiens in Shoot-Out - 2-1

The Bruins and Habs met for the 700th time in the Regular Season tonight. The Bruins, of course, have been shut-out in their last two games, and have been decidedly snake-bitten lately. Losing David Krejci to the Swine Flu early this afternoon did not help the Bruins offense one bit, either.

I thought the B's played a pretty solid game tonight, overall. They were hitting in the 1st and 3rd periods (less so in the 2nd) and kept their game up-tempo, with a good transition from their zone. For as few goals as the Bruins have potted lately, they've certainly had their chances to score. Tonight was no exception, as the B's put 42 shots on Carey Price. Thomas, for his part at the other end, was incredible - making fast kick-outs and at one point reaching behind himself to stop a shot with the flat of his stick.

In the 1st period, Dennis Wideman got caught up with a Bruins team-mate in the neutral zone and the blown coverage allowed the Habs to circle the net and get their first goal. While people may point to Wideman's error, a sharp spotlight should be shone on the Bruins centre (remaining nameless), who, after covering former Bruin Glen Metropolit through the slot, left him alone in front of the net and allowed an easy tap in to put the Bruins down a goal.

The Bruins kept pressing, and a series of power-plays (two in a row at one point) gave them many chances on net, but still no goals emerged for the Bruins (and, obviously, the powerplay woes continue).

Deep into the 3rd period (less than 50 seconds remaining), with Tim Thomas on the bench, Patrice Bergeron was able to win an offensive zone face-off, then carve to the side of the net where a rebound found its way onto his stick. One little curl and side-step and he made no mistake, tying the game at 1-1.

4-0n-4 Overtime solved nothing, so the teams went to the shoot-out, where Brian Gionta was able to score for the Habs. Canadiens 2, Bruins 1, much to the dismay of water-bottle-throwing Team President Cam Neely.

For my part, I'm pleased that the Bruins played as well as they did and that they were able to tie the game up in the final seconds. They deserved a better fate than a loss, given how they played tonight, but that matters little in the NHL. Hopefully, the desperation they felt in the final seconds will carry over to their next games and the offense will start clicking.

Of Note: Both the Habs and Bruins had goals waived off tonight; Mark Recchi looked awful for most of the evening, but I must admit, gave a good interview after the 1st period, so that's something; Tonight's win will make all my friends who are Canadiens fans completely insufferable - the solution: stop allowing Canadiens fans to be my friends.

NHL Pre-Season - Bruins 2 - Canadiens 1

Just a quick post to say that the NHL returned to Quebec City this evening and saw the Bruins play the Habs in Pre-Season action.

Boston got up 2-0 fairly early on, and then basically held the Habs off for most of the 3rd Period, surrendering a goal, but holding on for the 2-1 win.

I was only watching with half my attention, because I was also involved in our real-time, multi-city hockey pool draft (Marc Savard, second pick!). What I did notice from the game was that Tuukka Rask is for real, Michael Ryder is coming into form, and that Lovecchio just continues to impress me.

The Habs, in all honesty, looked like the stronger team for stretches in this game. I'm not sure if we can expect the Bruins to come out of the gates firing like they did last season, and obviously many of their Division rivals have improved, so there's a good chance that it will be a long, hard-fought year for the Black, White and Gold.

Of Note: one of our kittens suddenly took notice in the game and starting leaping up at the TV screen, frantically clawing at the players skating by. I would say there was about an 80-20 split for Habs he was clawing versus Bruins he wanted to destroy. I will train him to aim strictly for the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge.

As far as the difficulties of being a Bruins fan here in Montreal go, things haven't really ramped up yet. Pre-Season is viewed as it should be (ie: as a warm up) by Montrealers, so the trash talk should begin in earnest in a couple of weeks. I'll keep track of what is throw at me, and let you know.

bruins beat habs 4 - 2 & push the habs to the brink of elimination

The Bruins did not have a spectacular game on the whole, but were efficient in their checking, and were an absolute defensive force in the 3rd period, and this swung the game in their favour.

The game started with the Canadiens' fans booing the American national anthem (which I am sure their US-born players, Chris Higgins and Francis Bouillon, appreciated), and then booing starting goaltender Carey Price. Over the course of the game the fans at the Bell Centre booed the Canadiens' powerplay, Koivu's efforts in the offensive zone, the referee, and then made sarcastic cheers when Price made easy stops.

Only the booing of Zdeno Chara made any sense to me.

Honestly, if your team is on the brink of elimination to a far stronger team, and your idea of home-town advantage is to boo your own players, you are not a fan of any team, nor should you be surprised when they do not win.

And I certainly do not lump all Canadiens fans into the above category. But the booing at the Bell Centre was clearly heard on the National TV broadcast, and was at points louder than the cheering.

Anyway, despite the bad blood between these two clubs, tonight's game was a relatively clean affair. The Canadiens dished out some great checks in the first period, but less as the game went on, focusing more on trying to retain puck possession. The Bruins seemed to pick up the slack in the hitting department and began finishing checks more often through the second and third periods.

The B's won tonight primarily because of a few bursts of sustained pressure on the Canadiens defense, a lot of chip-and-chase hockey to wear the Habs' D down, and (as mentioned) a smothering defensive system in the third period. Ex-Hab Michael Ryder got the game winning goal, which must have pleased Claude Julien.

Finally, unlike Saturday's game, tonight's match-up was a close affair - but in playoff hockey, those little differences are all that separates any team from a win or a loss. Or all that separates a Series win from elimination.

The B's have a chance to close-out the Series on Wednesday, here in Montreal. Should be a great game!

lucic suspended for game three against the habs

Milan Lucic, the second-coming of Cam Neely, will miss tonight's game against the Canadiens. The League suspended him a single game for his dangerous cross-check to the head of Maxim Lapierre.

In discussing the suspension, Colin Campbell said, "we would have given him more games, but it was only Lapierre...."

I'm just kidding. Colin Campbell actually said that whether it was a glove or stick that hit Lapierre, it was still a dangerous play, so Lucic gets a game.

We'll see how that alters the Bruins' landscape. Hopefully Shawn Thornton is given an expanded role, and able to build on what has been a really strong year for the enforcer.

Game Three rolls out at 7pm tonight!

bruins beat habs 5 - 1 & take game two at home

The Bruins were again able to gain a two-goal lead on their conference rivals, le Canadiens, in last night's match, and never really looked back from there.

The difference between Game One and Game Two, however, seemed to be the powerplay. Boston went 3 for 5 with the man advantage, with Shane Hnidy (the Sheriff!) getting the third goal. Hnidy has been a healthy scratch in favour of youngster Matt Hunwick, but Hunwick did an unexpected Peter Forsberg impersonation and had to have an emergency splenectomy to have his spleen removed. Ouch.

Hnidy, for his part, showed that in hockey terms "veteran" still has some positive associations. He was a physical force and essentially played a simple, stable game, allowing players like Chara and Wideman the freedom to play their more roving styles.

Of special note in last night's game, in my books at least, was Patrice Bergeron, who absolutely leveled Kovalev at mid-ice in the first period (thus establishing a tone that the team carried through the match) and, unexpectedly, dropping the mitts with Josh Gorges for his first NHL fight. Bergie held his own against Gorges and landed a strong series of lefts to the face of the Canadiens' defender.

Marc Savard had four points in the game, but will unfortunately be a bigger target in Game Three as the Bruins will be without Milan Lucic, who seems to garner an awful lot of attention from the Habs.

Looch was tossed out after he cross-checked Lapierre in the face in the final five minutes of the game, which leads to an automatic disciplinary meeting and probable suspension.

Lapierre, for his part, looked great with a piece of lumber shoved in his face. It stopped him from running anyone into the glass from behind for at least a single shift. Small blessings.

The B's and Habs renew acquaintances on Monday night here in Montreal. Should be an incredible atmosphere in the city!

bruins beat habs 4 - 2 & take game one

This was a tough game if you are a Bruins fan. After jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead, the B's let the Canadiens back into the match, scoring once near the end of the first- and once in the second periods. Added to that, the Habs dominated the play for long stretches (including most of the second period), making for some very scary moments for the Black, White and Gold faithful.

By the way, I'm watching Don Cherry right now saying everything I'm saying. I don't know if that's a good thing or not...

Ultimately, the difference maker in tonight's game came when the Bruins finally executed a powerplay like they are able to, controlling the puck in the Habs' zone for a full minute, and slowly building up the momentum they'd lost through the middle period. Savard faked a shot at the side of the net before feeding it to the point, and Zdeno Chara's point shot found the back of the net cleanly. Some tense moments, an empty-net goal, and that's Game One.

This was, I'm sad to say, the Canadiens' game to lose. They outplayed the B's for a long stretch, and the Bruins looked pretty tight. The positive for the B's is that they did win it, and for portions of the game controlled the play, and continued hitting the Habs' defenders on every chip in. These three points will ultimately help the Bruins through the rest of the series.

During a little post-game interview with Chara, it was great to hear cheering coming from the Bruins' room down the hall. It will feel very good to wear the Bruins cap around town tomorrow.

Game Two is set for Saturday!

bruins versus canadiens in first round

Bruins fans are a little startled by the prospect of such a great season being upended by the Bruins' first round opponent, le Canadiens. The stats are certainly in the Canadiens' favour over the long-term (24-7 going back to 1929-30), and memories are still fresh from the 2004 season's horrible demise.

My first year in Montreal I watched the Habs put the Bruins out of the playoffs. I sat in a dim bar as the day faded outside the open windows and ate Indian food, watching the Habs storm back for a win. On my birthday.

This would have been the 2002 team backed by that year's next-Patrick-Roy, Jose Theodore. After briefly passing the mantle to Huet, the Habs bestowed the honorific on Cary Price, who happens to be a phenomenal goaltender.

What I'm getting at is: since the Canadiens have beaten the Bruins with goalies that clearly were not Patrick Roy, what happens now that they have a guy who could become the next one?

Ultimately though, the B's can really only build their game around their strengths. Certainly the recurring storyline of the Bruins and Habs rivalry, as well as personal storylines - such as Claude Julien's firing by Bob Gainey, Michael Ryder's free-agent signing with the Bruins and Chara and Lucic's popularity with the Habs - should motivate the Bruins' players for each game.

If the Bruins juggernaut rolls out and everyone plays to their best of their abilities, the Bruins will overpower the Habs. But shaky games are things that the Canadiens feed on in this rivalry, so the Bruins will need to be consistent and disciplined.

Despite media suggestions to the contrary, I predict this series will not evolve into a bloodbath, given that neither team can afford it (and are too well coached to allow it to happen), but selfish penalties could turn any game either way. Each player is one noticeable elbow away from costing his team the game.

On a trip this weekend for a hockey tournament I had a chance to talk to a lot of Canadiens' fans. To a one they said that the Bruins will win this round, even in the face of my pretty convincing argument to the opposite.

I must admit that I found this tone a little reassuring, but I still can't wait for Thursday night to judge for myself.

bruins 3 - canadiens 1

Boston met their long-time arch rivals in an up-tempo afternoon game yesterday, and enjoyed a return to early-season form in the win. Les Canadiens took the ice in their throwback "escaped convict" / "barbershop nightmare" sweaters, and were able to get the first goal against Bruins' keeper Tim Thomas. Robert Lang wristed home a shot on a Canadiens' powerplay.

Giving up the first goal fits with the Bruins' recent profile, however, in a reversal of story lines, it was the Bruins scoring in the final seconds of the period to knot the game up at one-goal-apiece. Dennis Wideman got the goal by picking off a Komisarek pass, and walked in from the blue line to get the puck on net. It crossed the goal-line with 0.6 seconds left in the period.

In the second period, Shawn Thornton made his impact felt for a second time (Thornton fought some random Canadiens' call-up in the first period), by potting the eventual game-winner. Byron Bitz fed a pass from behind the net to Thornton in the crease, and he pushed home his 5th goal of the season past Canadiens goalie Price. The goal was just-deserts for a Bruins fourth-line that had been battling hard for every loose puck all game.

In the third period, the Bruins were able to gain a bit of breathing room, with Marc Savard's empty net goal. Savard held his ground at centre, blocking a chip in attempt, and making sure any miss would not be ruled Icing, he hit the empty net for the final goal. The Bruins take the victory.

With the win, the Bruins become the first team in the League to reach 80 points. This was the Bruins 4th win in five meetings against the Canadiens.

bruins 3 - canadiens 1

Montreal is currently under a crazy deep freeze, where any flesh left exposed while outside will freeze within five minutes.

Consequently, I avoided heading down to a local watering hole for last night's game, opting instead to watch the match online. The feed of the game was pretty funny - the typically chopping / stuttering video stream was punctuated by commentary, in abbreviated & profanity-laden, slang-heavy, text-message French, on the right side of the screen. It was nearly impossible to figure out what anyone was saying, but I gather, little of it was kind toward the Bruins.

Yet despite any problems on video playback, Zdeno Chara's dominance was clear. He had, quite possibly, his best game of the year.

Chara potted 2 goals, had only one minor penalty, leveled tons of hits and rebound clearances, and basically had one of those games that show how any top-flight NHL player, on any given night, can completely control a game. As repeat readers of this blog may know, I tend to be a little tough on Chara, feeling that wearing the C (and making $7 million a year) means having a dominant game every night. But last night, Chara proved why he is repeatedly in contention for the Norris Trophy at years' end.

The game itself was entertaining, featuring end-to-end action with Halak and Tim Thomas continually offering up goal-mouth craziness, and several passes threaded through unlikely lanes. The Habs were unable to capitalize on a 4-3 advantage, whereas the Bruins were able to score on their 5-on-3 powerplay (the Bruins were 2 for 5 on the PP last night).

However, while the game could have gone either way with one-less save, or a single unusual bounce, a dominant performance by the Bruins captain created a strong opportunity for the Bruins' win.

Coach Julien had this to say about Chara's performance:

"I think, first of all, there’s no doubt to me, he set the tone tonight. Physically, the amount of ice he had, he handled it well and he was strong in all situations: obviously scoring a couple of goals, defending, winning battles, everything, every part of it, the physical part of it. He was outstanding tonight. I cannot say enough about his performance."

Of Note: The Bruins were without Phil Kessel, who is suffering under mono; Aaron Ward left the game with an injury after being run into the glass from behind by (repeat offender) Andrei Kostitsyn; the Bruins enjoyed performing before a sell-out crowd.

bruins 3 - canadiens 2 (SO)

In a game where Patrick Roy "came home" to partially make amends for how he departed from Montreal, where Georges Laraque shadowed Milan Lucic, trying to instigate a fight that would somehow make amends for Lucic's pummeling of Komisarek on November 13th, and where the Canadiens tried to make amends for their big loss against the B's in their last game, only one reconciliation stands out - the Bruins, this year, are making amends for last season's losses against the Habs.

I watched part of the game at home, and part of it in my favourite watering hole, surrounded by the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge faithful. They cheered every hit, every shot (and there were a lot in the third, where Boston was outshot 18-5), and ultimately the tying goal from Koivu. And rightly so, I should add.

However, when Blake Wheeler potted the lone goal in the shootout, I was the only one in a crowded bar clapping. Ever to their credit, the Habs fans simply turned and glowered...no swearing in either official language or throwing of things in my direction. At least, not that I noticed in my minor revelry.

When Thomas ultimately stopped Koivu, the last of the three shooters, there was only one voice cheering in the thick silence of the bar, above the announcers on RDS. Despite how it may sound, I wasn't trying to be "showy" about the B's win - I was just very pleased to see them continue their winning streak against their oldest rivals.

In the win, I think Tim Thomas' comments aptly summed up my feelings:

"To come in here and get a win feels really good, especially in a shootout. I've seen Saku score on that last shot and him being the one walking off the ice with his arms raised and all happy. I was happy to be the one with my arms raised and all happy."

And so, a sense of making amends for previous games, and perhaps continuing to reconcile this season's play against les Habs with last years'.

The Bruins now retain sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference, and are within three points of San Jose for first in the League.

The Bruins play again on Wednesday, against the Sabres.

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.