kenneycb is making more sense than everyone here. And I'm probably going to reiterate a lot of what he's said, but here's what my drunk ass needs to pontifiacte:
This year feels very similar to last year's elimination game as far as everyone's reaction. Last year I got home from the game and was a huge asshole to everyone who said anything bad about the Bruins' effort, character, ability, anything really. Because being a Nancy after losing in game 6 of the Stanley Cup is the epitome of Nancy-ing. And I stand by my being an asshole, because last year's team was one of my favorite teams ever in any Boston sport, and not winning the Cup really didn't change that all that much.
This year, I'm similarly supportive of the team, but much more understanding of people being critical. And to be honest, some of the criticism is fully warranted and I'm probably an overly sentimental fan.
But I'll just throw out a few things to put things in perspective:
1) The Blackhawks lost in the first round twice between cups. They are the best team over that span, the Bruins by most measurements are probably 2nd.
2) The best team usually doesn't win the Cup. It takes a lot of luck, and while the Bruins didn't play well this series by their standards, they also had some bad luck
3) The Bruins' didn't trade any future assets at the deadline for marginal upgrades that wouldn't have made much of a difference. Unlike the Penguins who are a dumpster fire at the moment, the Bruins are returning most of their regulars and have a shitload of talent in the minors waiting to fill bottom 6 roles for minimum salary, opening up space to help the rest of the team.
4) Credit the Canadiens. They coached and played amazingly. Ex: what they did to the (I've always refused to call them 1st) Lucic-Krecji-Iginla line I'm surprised no one ever really did before. That line seriously lacks speed and quickness, and looked pedestrian when pressed in their defensive end and neutral zone.
5) My mom, Nancy, if she read this thread would say, "why do you waste your time talking to all those Nancies on the internet"
edit: catomatic is a huge Nancy, go fuck yourself