It’s game day, finally. Nervous? Excited? Both dem things. I really dug the media day coverage NHL network had. Highlights for the Bruins included Jags, and Shawn Thornton. On the Hawks side I dug Patrick Kane and Captain Serious. The message I got from everyone was they were excited to get started and liked their chances. Well, if you’re asking – so do I.
Expect tonight’s game to be the tone setter for the entire series. I realize I’m not really going out on a limb by saying that – but it’s the truth. I would imagine the Bruins are going to want to let the Hawks know they are in for a delightfully physical affair, and I expect them to try and get inside Toews’ head as much as possible. That job ought to fall to Mr. Brad Marchand. The Hawks, on the other hand, will try and push the pace with their puck possession and try (perhaps desperately) to match Boston on the physical side.
For those of you that haven’t seen Bryan Bickell play, you’ll get a good introduction tonight. He’ll lead the way in the physical department and I will be secretly fantasizing about one day seeing him don the black and gold. Good gravy, if there was ever a prototypical Bruin – Bick is it.
There’s not a lot more to say about this series until the horse is out of the barn. On the one hand, you have the regular season juggernaut, and the best uniforms in professional sports. On the other, there’s the Jekyll and Hyde hooligans from Boston.
If the team that’s been showing up in Beantown lately continues to show up through this round, it’s time to cue the Duck Boats. I mean, let’s just make sure the inspection stickers are up to date right now and maybe even flush the transmissions. If not, this Chicago team is so good, and so balanced, they will punish the Bruins and send them packing in short order. Boston has to bring it tonight and maintain the pain through the whole series. I think they will do just that. Bruins in 6.