Here we are.
It's been nearly 3 years since we witnessed playoff hockey that mattered. Oh, we can say that playoff hockey is scintillating to watch year in and year out, even absent the Bruins... that it captivates viewers more so than any other sport's postseason, that legends are made in the playoffs and the level of play can't be exceeded. Many years, this is true - but the past two years, it's been a hollow consolation. Playoff hockey - finally - matters again.
Who stands in the Bruins' way this year? An early 90s expansion team boasting a rich history including Rick Bowness, Bryan Berard, Radek Bonk, and Speedracer Dany Heatley. Nobody has played more games for this storied franchise than Chris Phillips. Randy Cunneyworth is the second most tenured captain in the history of Canada's Other, Other Team. Craig Anderson's 151 career wins has him in poll position for the Kanata Walk of Fame.
The Ottawa Senators are a joke. Their fans are a joke. Their game 1 and game 2 ticket prices are an affront to playoff hockey in Canada. Their building - complete with 32" Vizio TVs as jumbotron monitors - is a joke. Dion Phaneuf is a joke.
Beat this joke of a franchise. T-minus 8 hours until the games matter again.
It's been nearly 3 years since we witnessed playoff hockey that mattered. Oh, we can say that playoff hockey is scintillating to watch year in and year out, even absent the Bruins... that it captivates viewers more so than any other sport's postseason, that legends are made in the playoffs and the level of play can't be exceeded. Many years, this is true - but the past two years, it's been a hollow consolation. Playoff hockey - finally - matters again.
Who stands in the Bruins' way this year? An early 90s expansion team boasting a rich history including Rick Bowness, Bryan Berard, Radek Bonk, and Speedracer Dany Heatley. Nobody has played more games for this storied franchise than Chris Phillips. Randy Cunneyworth is the second most tenured captain in the history of Canada's Other, Other Team. Craig Anderson's 151 career wins has him in poll position for the Kanata Walk of Fame.
The Ottawa Senators are a joke. Their fans are a joke. Their game 1 and game 2 ticket prices are an affront to playoff hockey in Canada. Their building - complete with 32" Vizio TVs as jumbotron monitors - is a joke. Dion Phaneuf is a joke.
Beat this joke of a franchise. T-minus 8 hours until the games matter again.
