Blind Faith

Tonight is the moment of truth. Can the Bruins sweep the Flyers? I don’t know about you, but I’ve got my broom ready.

Normally, I wouldn’t be this optimistic. Normally I would say, “Krejci is out, we’re plagued with injuries, the Flyers are going to get too physical, and then they’re screwed. They’ll blow it.” In fact, I’ve said similar things throughout the season. I can’t get myself to think like that anymore. Perhaps it’s the fact that every time fans have doomed them due to an injury they manage to find a solution. Perhaps it’s because no one thought they could even make it to the playoffs and here they are a win away from the conference finals. I know this will eventually lead to heartbreak and severe depression (I’ve got my shrink on speed dial), but I’ve decided to dive in. No, I’m not going to be as insane as those people who think the team can do no wrong, but I am going to be one of those people who thinks they have a chance.

I’m not trying to downplay the Krejci injury. He’s one of the most important pieces of the Bruins offense. But didn’t fans freak out when Savard was out multiple times this season? And when Lucic was out? And when Bergeron was out? They were a little wobbly, but they made it work. At least have enough faith to believe they can figure it out for this series.

How? Who cares? Is it really time to be logical? The Bruins being in the playoffs makes no sense! Don’t you understand that, Internet? How did that even happen? Screw wondering how they’re going to pull it together without Krejci. Stop lamenting about how The AHL Bruins can’t possibly match up to any NHL team. You’re being drama queens to the point where you’re missing what’s going on. The Bruins are kicking ass in the playoffs! I know that technically I’m supposed to analyze these things for you. I’m supposed to be able to tell you what the line combinations are going to look like and how I think Savard will hold up having to play more minutes than expected. I’m supposed to talk about Mark Stuart and what his return will mean for the defense. Well, guess what? I don’t care. Starting tonight, I’m going to allow myself to be a hockey fan. I’m going to stuff my face with more food than I can handle, I’m going to scream at the TV like a barbarian, and I’m not going to intellectually contemplate the effectiveness of the powerplay.

You may want to think about doing the same. Who knows how long this will last. The Bruins have already given fans more than we expected. Grab a beer and enjoy it while it’s here.

Samantha Lewis is a conference production assistant by day and a sports blogger by night. She's enjoying basking in the Bruins playoff glory. You can read more from here at Beantown Athletic Supporters and follow her on Twitter here!

The Bruins or Doppelgangers? You Decide.

Were those the Boston Bruins I saw on the ice last night? I’m still unconvinced. I have a theory they were all doppelgangers bred in tubes in a lab in Maine. I’m on to you Maine. I know what you do up there.

Back to the Bruins. Last night, fans saw something they’ve been waiting for almost all season. A physical, Bruins dominated game, free of suck-age and crappy third period play. Despite the fact that Matt Cooke deserved to be severely punished, his concussing of our star, Marc Savard, seemed to light the fire that the Bruins so desperately needed.

Tuukka Rask’s doppelganger was on top of his game last night, Mark Stuart (who is absolutely out of his mind) got into two fights, and goals were scored by Blake Wheeler, Old Man Recchi, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Marco Sturm. Obviously all doppelgangers. Except Recchi. They tried to make his clone, but his DNA was determined to be superhuman. How else do you think he’s still playing like this at his age?

Honestly though, where has this been all season?! Where has Mark Stuart been all season?! This guy needs to beat someone up every game. I mean, fill in for Milan Lucic. Despite most fans’ cries for a more aggressive Looch, I’m buying the excuse that he’s still injured. Sure, injuries heal, but every time he steps onto the ice, he risks tweaking his ankle again. I’m sure he has. So Mark Stuart, come on down! The guy is 2 parts insane and 1 part reckless – a perfect mixture for a fighter. As long as he doesn’t do something idiotic like punch someone in the helmet and break his hand, I’m all for him initiating the physical play on this team. Maybe others will follow suit. After all, the Bruins aren’t a finesse team. They need to play aggressively to throw the opposition off their game. Last night they started to do just that.

Now, I’m not ready to jump back on the Bruins bandwagon quite yet. I’ve been walking behind it at a leisurely pace for most of the season. However, the Bruins play the Habs one last time during the regular season this Saturday night. Their record against the B’s this year is 4-1-0. Yes, they’re one of the best teams in the league, but I’m not convinced they’re unbeatable. We stomped them last year, and despite missing Savvy, the Bruins showed that they can score last night. If they do it again on Saturday, they’re back in my good graces. Mostly.

Until Saturday, I advise you to ride this Bruins high. Take what you can get, alright?

Samantha Lewis is the Creative Director of North Shore Editorial and can be followed on Twitter here. She is an expert in doppelganger creation, and you can read more of her conspiracy theories (or sports writing) over at Beantown Athletic Supporters.

Mike "Doc" Emrick Recaps the NHL Winter Classic

"The Voice of the NHL" Mike Emrick from NBC joines us this morning to recap the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway, preview the Olympics, and talk a little Maine Mariners hockey history. Great listen.

Thursday Quick-Hits

Hadlock Field was empty Wednesday, as were baseball fan's souls.(Pierre's Exchange St)

The absolute most crap-tastic sports day of the year was Wednesday, so of course Jeff sticks me with the links. I owe him one now...

• The Eastern League All-Star game, which was more difficult to find online than Waldo, was won by the Southern Division 5-3. Sea Dogs-wise, Dustin Richardson and Chris Province pitched well, Lars Anderson went 0-2 and Jorge Jimenez 0-4.
  
• Marco Sturm does not plan on waiving his no-trade clause.
• The Bruins and Flyers made it official yesterday, Fenway will host the Outdoor Classic this year.
• An Auburn man lost his life after the car he was racing at Oxford Plains hit the wall. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
• There might be a reason for Nick Green's average going down.
  
• The ESPY's took place, but, as usual, will not be broadcast until Sunday. Why, you ask? According to ESPN's Bill Hofheimer "(We do that)so we can enhance the telecast for our viewers with special behind-the-scenes (footage) and backstage winner reactions and interviews." Now you know. What do you think? Would you rather see it live?
  
• Chris Sedenka is now 365 days away from being 30. Happy 29th!