Mar 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing
Brendan Gallagher(11) and Boston Bruins left wing
Brad Marchand(63) exchange words during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Well, it’s about time. The Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens second round playoff series has finally been announced. The Bruins and Canadiens will now meet for the thirty fourth time in the league’s playoff history. Not only have these two teams faced each other more than any other, it’s safe to say both teams hate each other more than any team in the league.
The Montreal Canadiens did win three of the four games against the Black and Gold this season. To be completely fair though the Bruins have won seven of the last eleven meetings with the Habs. The last two series were both won by Boston. (A four game sweep of the Canadiens in 2009, and a game seven overtime thriller in 2011 (where the Bruins won the Cup). It’s been three years since the Bruins last hoisted Lord Stanley and twenty one years for Montreal.
With no love lost between the organizations (and especially between their fan bases), I sincerely hope that both teams will play to their strengths, and the diving, flopping, embellishment will be kept to an absolute minimum by both sides. (Makes me wonder if the refs can sit down Brad Marchand and PK Subban and give them a stern talking to before the first puck gets dropped.)
Game 1: Thursday May 1, 7:30PM – TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Game 2: Saturday May 3, 12:30PM – TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Game 3: Tuesday May 6, 7:00PM – Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Game 4: Thursday May 8, 7:00PM – Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday May 10, TBA – TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Game 6 (if necessary): Monday May 12, 7:00PM – Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Game 7 (if necessary): Wednesday May 14, TBA – TD Garden, Boston, Mass.