Storm Warning

Claude has asked us all to turn the page on Sunday’s game, so I will do so. It happens, and there is no cause for panic. It is not possible to go undefeated in the playoffs gang. The Bruins had to lose sometime. Before I turn the page, I will give you what I think happened.

For starters, I think all of the Black and Gold faithful thought the Bruins were waltzing into the Conference Finals after bearing witness to the shellacking the Bruins put on the Whalers Friday night. To be sure, it was a complete victory. Carolina looked outmatched, and Cam Ward was not sharp at all. Big Z remained in Eric Staal’s back pocket all night continually frustrating the young star. Boston’s offense was clicking and the shakeup of the lines to what we saw for most of the season really seemed to give the hometown team a nice lift. It was a big win, and had us all thinking, bring on the Caps/Pens.

Here’s the thing. Carolina is a good club. One does not get to the second round of the playoffs by being bad. For the most part they have excellent goaltending, and some proven playoff performers on the roster. This fact was driven home by the shellacking they put on the Bruins Sunday night. Boston played poorly, with the exception of Thomas and the 4th line, and never really got into a rhythm. In the first, they soundly outplayed the Canes, but couldn’t get anything to drop for them. Carolina stuck with their plan and bang, 3-0 win. Disappointing? Heck yes. Cause for panic? Nope.

So, now it’s a series. Tied at 1-1, the Bruins will look to exact revenge in Raleigh tomorrow night, which is no easy task. The building is VERY loud, and the fans raucous to say the least. Think of me at an all you can eat buffet hosted by PJ Stock, Dennis Bonvie, Bob Probert, and Tie Domi, and you get an idea of the excitement level. Both games down there are shaping up to be the toughest they have had to play to date. Cause for concern? Yes? Panic? No. Now turn the page.