David vs. Goliath - Round 32.

Nothing new here. Except that this time around, as opposed to last year, the roles have been reversed. The Bruins, who finished 1st in the East, will now have to face their long time antagonist, the Montreal Canadiens, who; like Chara trying to put on Savard's equipment; just barely squeezed into the 8th and final spot by getting a hard fought point in their second to last game against, coincidentally enough, these same Bruins. So, for the 32nd time the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens are slated to battle it out once more in the NHL playoffs. Consequently, this begs the obvious question : Is there a better rivalry in the NHL than the one between these two Original Six hockey teams? 

The answer is simple; no. 

Over the past decades, The Gold & Black and the Blue, Blanc, Rouge have provided some of the best hockey to be seen, anywhere. Even if you're not a fan of either club, as a hockey enthusiast you just can't resist but watch and enjoy these foes as they relentlessly combat for supreme dominance over one another. Statistically, the Canadiens have been the ones to do most of the domination over the years. In the 32 playoff dances with the Bruins the Habs have won 24 and only dropped 7 to Boston. Nevertheless, the way that Boston is playing and has played this year, most anticipate for the Big Bad Bears from Bean Town to add to their win tally this time around. I don't blame them for their predictions either. It's a safe and comforting pick. You've got the number 1 team from the Eastern Conference going against, what most consider to be, a back up, lucky, dysfunctional, underachieving, disorganized, young, and sub-par hockey team. Furthermore, the Bruins have had the advantage over the Habs this entire season by easily snatching 11 of the 12 possible points available to them during these bouts. Also, they've got the blazing hot, best save percentage having (.933), league-best goals against average flaunting (2.10), and Vezina Trophy favorite Timmy Toms between their pipes. What's not to like and feel confident about if your a Boston fan? Nothing. 

Yet, let us not forget what the past has taught us for history, more often than not, is sure to repeat itself.

In 2002, the Bruins finished 1st in the East and met the 8th seeded Habs in the 1st round. Result : McLaren goes head hunting on Zednik. Habs win in 6.

In 2004, the Bruins pick up 104 points and secure the second seed in the East. Once again, they meet the seventh seeded Habs in the 1st round. Result : Say it ain't so Joe. Habs come back from 3-1 Boston series lead to take it all in 7.

Finally, 2008. Montreal shocks the Eastern Conference by finishing 1st overall. They meet Boston in the first round. After winning all their games against their disputants in the regular season, most predict the Habs to sweep the Bruins. Result : Close one. Habs in 7.

2009 ; you read it here first = HABS IN 7. We've done it before and can do it again. 

Nonetheless, there are a 10 key factors that need to occur for 1st round success. 

1) The Kovalev-Koivu-Tanguay line must play as they did towards the end of the season. 

2) Price must steal at least 2 or 3 games. 

3) Dress Laraque. Don't dress O'Byrne. 

4) Markov must return at some point. 

5) Schneider must stay healthy. 

6) Plekanec and Big K-Titty must start producing.

7) Komisarek & Higgins must step up. Big. 

8) Lapierre & Latendresse must continue to do their thing. 

9) Lapierre must not chirp Bergeron. Remember OT on Thursday? 

10) Hope and unconditional fan support.

Like it or not, there's my prediction and I am sticking to it. 

Regardless, here's a sure fire call - this is going to be one hell of a series.

GO HABS GO !