From left, Roman Hamrlik, Maxim Lapierre and Mathieu Dandenault watch Bell Centre practice today.
John Mahoney, Gazette
The Boston Bruins have roared back from a 3-1 games deficit to force Game 7 Monday against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal:
• The Canadiens face Game 7 for the 19th time in their playoff history and for the first time when they have led a series by a 3-1 games advantage.
• The Bruins face Game 7 for the 17th time in their playoff history and for the first time when they have trailed 3-1.
• In 26 times having led a series 3-1, the Canadiens have never lost. In 20 times trailing a series 3-1, the Bruins have never won.
• Montreal is 10-8 all-time in seventh games, 7-3 on home ice.
• Boston is 9-7 all-time in seventh games, 0-3 on the road.
• Monday's game is the seventh lifetime Game 7 between the Canadiens and Bruins, with Montreal holding a 4-2 edge:
-> April 8, 1952, semifinal at Montreal: Canadiens win 3-1, game-winning goal Maurice Richard
-> April 18, 1971, quarterfinal at Boston: Canadiens win 4-2, GWG J.C. Tremblay
-> May 10, 1979, semifinal at Montreal: Canadiens win 5-4 in overtime, GWG Yvon Lambert
-> April 29, 1991, division final at Boston: Bruins win 2-1, GWG Cam Neely
-> April 29, 1994, conference quarterfinal at Boston: Bruins win 5-3, GWG Fred Knipscheer
-> April 29, 2004, conference quarterfinal at Boston: Canadiens win 2-0, GWG Richard Zednik
All this being said, this is why they play the games.
First in the east, 8th in the east...it's meaningless. Edmonton had the Cinderella run to the final from 8th int he west a couple of years ago and everyone in Canada jumped on the bandwagon. Everyone loves an underdog...everyone wants the top dog ousted. That's why everyone hates the Yankees...wanted to see the Pats lose to the Giants...
If the Habs want it bad enough tomorrow night, they'll win. They beat everyone in the Eastern Conference multiple times...and they can beat Boston...they have to WANT it more.
Buckle up baby, it's a bumpy ride....this could be one for the ages!!!
The difference between Edmonton and Boston is that Edmonton was such an exciting team to watch. Boston, on the other hand, leaves a whole lot to be desired.
Let's not over exaggerate the ideology of MOMENTUM!
Let us not forget the 2006 Carolina team up 3 - 1 in the SC Final series only to blow the lead to a rabid Edmonton team...However the Hurricanes came together in the final game to win there 1st Stanley Cup led by a rookie goaltender.
Momentum is a fictional word ...
The Bell Center filled to the brim 21 Thou deep, now that is a reality...
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OFFICIAL ESPN CUP PREDICTION: Montreal vs San Jose
"In 26 times having led a series 3-1, the Canadiens have never lost. In 20 times trailing a series 3-1, the Bruins have never won."
This one has had me trembling since Thursday morning.
well everything that can be said, has been said. Actions speak louder than words. It's now up to the habs to put the pedal to the metal and not let up for 60 minutes. If they can do what they preach, all is forgiven, otherwise it will be a summer of discontent. Somehow, I believe, even if they manage to eke out a win, their weaknesses have been exposed. A win would now be considered as a tainted one. the team has lost confidence in themselves, and we have lost faith in this group. Only a 360 turnaround to the team we saw in the regular season, will restore my beliefs.
Are the habs contenders or pretenders
I think you're right in saying that whether the Habs win or lose tonight, this series has exposed the team's weaknesses. We have great speed and skill, but this series is stifling these qualities. We seem to lack the toughness to drive to the net through traffic and create chances that way. Our small skilled players are mostly kept on the periphery. Reminds me of Buffalo last year. Hopefully Gainey can address this problem in the off-season. Meanwhile, I think the Habs can win tonight if they play their best game, but I'm not sure they have the confidence to do that.
You're absolutely right. There's nothing more to say, no more pontificating or armchair-coaching to do...
It pains me to say this, but I really have to respect the way Boston came back, fought hard in spite of a huge deficit, and jostled their way back into this. I can't stand them, but I sure do respect them.
1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat
2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."
All these good stats make me cringe right now.
"One face-off, one battle, one shift, one period, one game, one series at a time."
"Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"