Now for a few thoughts on last night's game:
The Fans
Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole... it was AWESOME to hear the Bruins fans mocking the Canadiens with this chant. I nearly spit beer through my nose when I first heard it. This is just a tiny piece of what makes this rivalry so great.
The Quick Lead
While I loved watching them jump out to a quick 3-0 lead, I wasn't going to get my hopes up. Too many times have I watched them blow a lead (although not much this season). I'm also very nervous about them holding a 3-0 lead in anything after last Spring. Finally about 4:30 into the third I was able to breathe a little easier.
Recchi
Great job getting into the heads of the Habs. A true veteran showing exactly why he is still valuable to a team at 43 years of age.
Chara
Was a class act in this game. Didn't let anyone get in his head (I'm sure some comments were made on the ice). He was calm, cool and collected and I didn't see as much as a slash or questionable elbow (he does get them up sometimes) from him. He also took it to the Habs where it counted registering 3 assists.
However, my favorite Chara moment of the night, giving the death stare to Moen when he got in his face. I bet Moen had to get a fresh pair of panties the way he scampered off.
Boychuk
Made a statement early opening the scoring 1:01 minute in and notching an assist on Campbell's goal. Snag this guy in your office playoff pools. He hasn't done much this season, but remember his playoffs last year had guys predicting a big year for him. I think he will surprise a lot of people in the post-season.
Kelly
Not caring much for him yet in his time in Boston. It looks like he may be trying too hard and it's throwing off his game. Hopefully he turns it around soon or I'll be praying for Chiarelli to send him packing.
Kaberle
First goal as a Bruin. Looked great and is really starting to develop some chemistry with his teammates. Keep it up Tomas and you may just be welcome back next year.
Horton
May have been my player of the night had one Bruin not played well above his ability. Looked like he was playing with passion and just generally having fun. He is finally learning that it's okay to enjoy yourself in a winning environment. I think this year was an adjustment period and that he is finally going to reach his potential (knock on wood).
4T2's Player of the game - Gregory Campbell
Well buddy, you've impressed me all season. You're worth more than just helping to escape punishment from the league thanks to your Daddy (at least according to some conspiracy theorists).
2 goals including a beauty of an SHG while down 2 men to give the Bruins their seventh. A spirited scrap with Mara. Campbell only played 9:48 last night, but when he was on the ice, you knew it (and not in the "what was he thinking" Chris Kelly kind of way). I sung Bergeron's praises earlier in this post, but truth be told, if I hadn't looked up the TOI stat, I would have guessed Campbell palyed more than Bergy. He was great last night and definitely a huge bonus in the Wideman/Horton deal.