It doesn’t seem to matter that the season series between the Bruins and Canadiens is marked by one team dominating the other, because the product when these teams meet is usually superior entertainment to the 74 other nights of hockey we watch each season. After all, this is what hockey’s about, physical intensity, spurred by hatred and rivalry.

Some have tried to explain the Bruins failures against the Habs by claiming they have tried to be too physical, and it’s cost them their discipline. Claude Julien seems to believe the Bruins have just made too many mistakes, and if they concentrate on playing mistake-free (whatever that means?) they should be able to beat the Canadiens.

Fact: Any team can beat any other team in this league, in any given game. The reason the Boston Bruins haven’t beaten the Canadiens dating back to last season, is because the Canadiens are faster, smarter, and better prepared for these match-ups. There will come a day when the Bruins will get the better of them, and that day may even be today, but in order for it to happen, the Canadiens will have to be slower, dumber, and less prepared.

Here’s something interesting for you guys: Heading into tonight’s tilt, the Canadiens have lost 5 of 7 games directly before they face the Bruins. I don’t know if it’s a direct factor, but chances are, if your team is coming off a loss they’ll usually come back with close to their best game, unless of course your team is mired in a long losing streak (of which the Canadiens haven’t suffered any this season…probably thanks to the Bruins).
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Carey Price gets the call, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see him in the remaining eight games, barring injury or extensive bad play. The Habs are gearing up for the playoffs, and it’s time to get Carey prepared for the intensity as the Habs warm-up against divisional rivals to close out the season. Steve Begin and Maxim Lapierre are frothing at the mouth for a chance to play against the Bruins. Coach Carbonneau hasn’t let on as to what his lines will be for this one, but don’t be surprised to see a healthy Begin slamming bodies out there tonight. Begin has provided a large dose of the entertainment when these two teams have met this season, and after a long period away from the game he clearly adores, should he make his way into the lineup he will certainly have an impact on the outcome.

Zdeno Chara is noted as a game-time decision, and should he sit tonight’s game out, it’ll be his sixth in a row in the pressbox. He’s been fighting an upper-body injury, but after practicing hard over the last couple of games, expect him to return tonight. He seems confident he can do everything he needs to do, effectively.

Invite the boys over, put the beers on ice, and kick your feet up. You can try to relax for this one, but I get the feeling you’ll all be on your toes when the puck finally drops. The game starts at 7:00pm, on TSN, RDS, and of course CJAD.

Enjoy!

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