Lots of talk, lots of opinions as Game One of the Eastern Conference quarter final match-up between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins gets closer.
We’ll put this in the “Hey, who’s side are you on?” category: Honestly there are a lot of home team journalists who will be bold and call it like it is. La Presse’s Francois Gagnon has the Bruins taking the series in six games. Much to my surprise ESPN’s Bruins guy Jimmy Murphy tweeted earlier today that he predicts the Habs in six. He will be giving his justifications as to why between 9 and 10pm on Boston’s The Sports Hub during the DA Show.
Analytical review of the Habs vs, Bruins: Chris Boucher breaks down the Canadiens defensemen, the wingers and centermen and their performances against Boston.
The emergence of Carey Price: Bill Beacon looks at the Habs goaltender as he prepares for the playoffs.
Chara spoke to Patches, but Max won’t be back: Zdeno Chara did confirm today that he did speak to the Canadiens Max Pacioretty. Chara didn’t divulge into what was said, but it sounds like a few small fences were mended. Pacioretty will not return any time soon, according to Habs coach Jacques Martin.
The Hub weighs in: CTV’s Brian Wilde looks at the contrast in styles between the Habs and Bruins. Eric Engels feels the Habs will need to rely on depth for a successful run.
Bruins hope a Miracle on Ice will rub off: The Bruins will travel to Lake Placid, NY to prepare between games three and four of the series. Our counterparts at Cup of Chowder have that with a motivation clip from the Disney pic.
Friedman’s picks and thoughts: CBC’s Elliotte Friedman has a few NHL Awards picks, For the Calder, he notes, “P.K. Subban’s chances are hurt because he annoys people. That’s unfortunate, because he had a major impact on a decimated blue-line.”
In his 30 thoughts, Friedman emphasizes the Habs injury riddled defensive corps, “10. This is when the Montreal Canadiens are really going to miss Josh Gorges.”
The Habs rookies get ready: Canadiens.com talked to Lars Eller and Ryan White on their first playoff series.
BGL on the series and politics: Georges Laraque talked to Toronto’s Fan590 on the Habs/Bruins series and the move of the leaders debate, and his Green Party boss being snubbed from the debate. BGL’s comments on the series is about 3/4 in and he feels the Bruins physical presence will prevail unless Carey Price pulls a Jaroslav Halak.
So what went wrong Brian?: Toronto Maple Leafs boss Brian Burke gave his post-season press conference today. Of note, the Leafs had the 4th best record in the east after the All-Star break. Gotta love how Burke stands up to the media, and speaks his mind. Burke notes the run with Toronto to make the playoffs has been a long, torturous process.
OK so those of you who do not like to read how we here at EOTP like to cherish the team’s past, and that means you Chowder heads, stop reading now.
From the archives: Prior to thier 2009 playoff match-up, Robert Lefebvre took a look at the history of the Bruins/Habs rivalry.
