Dec 5, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) crashes into goalie Tuukka Rask (40) net during the second period against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens have had a rivalry that has gone back generations. The last five times they have played the lead in the division was on the line. This time around, the Habs played a strong second period and were able to get rebound shots in on Tuukka Rask. The two goals they scored proved what was necessary to win, and the Canadiens beat the Bruins 2-1 at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens are now first in the Atlantic Division.
Fans of the Canadiens and I don’t see eye to eye often. I was incensed when the fans at the Bell Centre booed Boychuk while he was on the ice. They only decided to stop when they discovered that he required a stretcher to be taken off the ice.
The Bruins are now second in the Atlantic, and third in the Eastern Conference. (They are three points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins.) Thankfully, the Bruins are in the East. There are seven teams who have as many or more points than the Bruins do in the West. This makes tomorrow’s game against the Penguins pivotal. The Bruins will be down Johnny Boychuk for an indefinite period of time while they fully assess how bad his back spasms are, and the Bruins will need solid defense against the offensive machine that is Sidney Crosby and company.
It’s nowhere near the end of the world, and the season is only one third over. I think we can agree it’s always disappointing to see the team let their guard down, lose a favorite player, and let the Canadiens get a win on them.