Bruins clinch playoff berth

[Roy Hobbs]

What a game tonight.  There really is absolutely nothing more exciting than an overtime hockey playoff game (and I mean anything...even C's playoff games). 

This is turning into one hell of a series.  I really hope we get to see Bergeron out there, that could put it over the top.

They won a game, which is all I wanted.  Everything else is just gravy.  I'm definitely proud of the team for playing so hard the last two games.

And agreed, playoff hockey is the best, and overtime playoff hockey takes that to a whole other level.  Great stuff.

[ma11l]

Just warming up the Garden for next weekend.  Good to get some good vibes going in the building.  I really hope they can keep playing well and push the series to 6 or 7 games.

[Bahku]

This to me is what the definition of "heart" and "determination" is - beating the odds and doing whatever it takes to scrap out a win. Awesome job by the B's, pulling out what seemed like a lost cause. If anyone can steal a series it's these boys, and whatever happens, they can hold their heads high this year. Great job, guys ... we're all behind you!

[Donoghus]

Was fortunate enough to be at the game last night.  What an atmosphere!  The Garden was rocking the entire game.  Pretty incredible.  Lots of Habs fan made the trek down and were certainly vocal and the back and forth chanting between B's and Montreal fans was pretty cool.  Add a heckuva game to the atmosphere and you had quite the sporting event. 

Awesome time and helluva game. 

[furball]

NOT DEAD YET. 

They rattled Price.  if they can get an early goal next game he could struggle.  This isn't over. 

[Redz]

Wow.  Where did that come from?  Loved hearing a stunned Montreal crowd.  Good for the Bruins.  They pretty much could have lost tonight and most fans would have applauded them for a good effort against a better team.

Of course now that they've raised oour expectation...Ugghhh

[Chris]

Is this looking a little familiar to anyone?  http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/2004stanleycup/a/1_Bruins_Habs.htm

Claude Julien knows how to coach playoff hockey.

[Redz]

Is this looking a little familiar to anyone?  http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/2004stanleycup/a/1_Bruins_Habs.htm

Claude Julien knows how to coach playoff hockey.

He just looks like a hockey coach doesn't he?  Something about him reminds me of Scotty Bowman - and that can't be a bad thing.

[noro]

I was there for game 7 of 2004. That was the best hockey game I have ever been to even though they lost. Hopefully they can keep the goal scoring up, and Bergeron may be cleared to play game 7. If he came back it would be a tremendous boost.

On another topic though, I cannot stand Canadien fans. The Go Habs Go and their soccer chants need to stop! No Canadien fans allowed in the garden on Saturday night! Please.

[Donoghus]

Wow, I really didn't expect that last night.  Great win.  Price absolutely fell apart in that third period.  Back to Boston and I have to think the Habs are feeling a bit of pressure now.

Like others have mentioned, I'd just like to see the B's win to shut up those annoying Habs fans.

[jgod213]

when they were down 1-0 in the 1st, i was actually thinking to myself "great year to build on, great effort, i'd love to go to the airport to applaud these guys when they get back."  This team could of easily packed it in after that 1st goal, going up against a young phenom goalie and an absolutely amped crowd - but the resiliency on this team in incredible and they NEED to get more ink in Boston. 

This is one of the more likable Boston teams that i've had the pleasure of rooting for in a long time; no star power, just a gritty, grind it out group of guys that know how to play physical and play for eachother.

I don't see how any other coach could win Coach of the Year this year.  I was one of many who questioned the claude julien signing when it happened, but his ability to reach the young guys is amazing.

let's give Chiarelli some credit, too.  He hasn't been given much to work with, but has done a great job with personel desicions regarding both the young guys and the vets.

[Bastone]

Take it from me as a Montrealer,  the Canadiens fans are just so pumped and starving for a championship!  And yes, they can be annoying but Bruins fans have only themselves to blame for that.  Why can't the city of Boston support their Bruins, at least in the playoffs, and sell out the TD Garden.  If that were the case, no Montreal fan would have the opportunity to buy tickets and attend the games.  As things now stand, it is far easier and cheaper to buy tickets for games in Boston, along with travel expenses, than to buy tickets at the Bell Center.

As for last night's game, Boston definitely derserved it and I am glad to see they were compensated with a win.  The Habs were trying to play defensive it seemed in the 2nd period and unbelievably trying to protect a 1 goal lead.  I guess when a team lacks scoring like the Bruins, it may have been human nature to behave that way.  It still is inexcusable against professionals and I'm glad the Bruins exploded in the 3rd period with 4 goals.

Unfortunately Bruins fans, I do believe the Habs have learned from their mistakes and tomorrow night will be a heck of a game with the Habs finally closing the series.

Let's all hope for a great game for the ages!

[Donoghus]

Take it from me as a Montrealer,  the Canadiens fans are just so pumped and starving for a championship!  And yes, they can be annoying but Bruins fans have only themselves to blame for that.  Why can't the city of Boston support their Bruins, at least in the playoffs, and sell out the TD Garden.  If that were the case, no Montreal fan would have the opportunity to buy tickets and attend the games.  As things now stand, it is far easier and cheaper to buy tickets for games in Boston, along with travel expenses, than to buy tickets at the Bell Center.

As for last night's game, Boston definitely derserved it and I am glad to see they were compensated with a win.  The Habs were trying to play defensive it seemed in the 2nd period and unbelievably trying to protect a 1 goal lead.  I guess when a team lacks scoring like the Bruins, it may have been human nature to behave that way.  It still is inexcusable against professionals and I'm glad the Bruins exploded in the 3rd period with 4 goals.

Unfortunately Bruins fans, I do believe the Habs have learned from their mistakes and tomorrow night will be a heck of a game with the Habs finally closing the series.

Let's all hope for a great game for the ages!

A lot of it has to do with the fact that the casual Bruins fan has been estranged from the team for the better part of a decade now.  The ownership has driven that team into the ground in many aspects and has driven away many B's fans.  The diehards have always remained and that's admirable but with the success of the Patriots, Red Sox, and now Celtics in the last 8 years or so, the Bruins have fallen by the wayside with most Boston sports fans because they just haven't brought anything to the table and the perception that the owner is cheap and lets any of the good Bruins talent walk away.  It's a very acrimonious relationship that may never be healed until Jacobs sells the team. 

I do think you'll see more B's fans there on Saturday night than the previous two home games, though.  City has definitely started to take notice.

[lobstermobster]

Is this looking a little familiar to anyone?  http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/2004stanleycup/a/1_Bruins_Habs.htm

Claude Julien knows how to coach playoff hockey.

He just looks like a hockey coach doesn't he?  Something about him reminds me of Scotty Bowman - and that can't be a bad thing.

Julien is a guy who almost never gets outcoached.  In addition to looking like a coach,  he has that in common with Bowman. He clearly has inferior talent compared to the Canadiens.  Doesn't matter.  He finds a way to even things up.

Why would anybody fire this guy?

[furball]

One more game baby!!!!  Unbelievable!!