WOW!! That was FAST!!! I feel like I hardly had the chance to savior the venom that defines the Bruins v. Canadiens and then in the words of Jack Edwards it was "Have a Nice Summer, Mike!"

The B's advance to round two in convincing fashion, and while awaiting their foe it gives this fan time to reflect on the redemption that was round 1.  I think most long time Bruins fans have been holding their breath wondering if the type of team that reflected the hard working, loyal, tenacious fan base would ever return to the Hub. Last year there were certainly indications that the Bruins were returning to form, and after falling at the hands of the hated Habs, and again uttering the all too familar "wait 'til next year"  B's fans were cautiously optimistic that this year would be a positive step in the right direction.

Almost from the opening whistle of the 2008-09 season you could FEEL this team was different.  There was a decidely LARGE chip on their shoulder which they seemed to remove at will and use to pummel unsuspecting foes (ask Steve Ott and Mike Komisarek).  However there was a point in the season where the team seemed to be reading their own press clippings, and lost a bit of that jam and their edge.  When things seemed to be teetering on the edge the New Jersey Devils came to town - white hot and on the verge of making a play for the top spot in the East.  The Bruins not only swarmed the Devils and the recently anointed "greatest" netminder in NHL history, but their swagger returned and they have yet to look back.

There were many memorable moments for this Bruins' fan, not the least of which was reveling in the electricity of the "Gahden" for games 1 &2.  I will truly dred the day Rene retires, I can not imagine anyone else singing the national anthem for the B's in the playoffs!  The chants of Caaarrreeey...Caaarrreeey ringing down from the rafters were reminisant of Roy-Roy and Thomas going post to post and making spectaular save after save in the second period of game 1 made me think of Reggie -Reggie (Lemelin of course).  But it was the WAY the team played which is what had me floating home on cloud 9 - The BRIUNS were back!! Setting the tone, making the Habs search for answers to Looch, Chara, Thomas, Kess, Savvy, et al.  The Centennial Habs tried every dirty trick (ask Hunwick) but the Bruins refused to be swayed from their path.

Hunwick out - Sheriff Shane Hnidy steps in and blasts one past Price.  Kess, benched during last year's series, made his impact felt early in the series (and often) as the Hab dmen looked like they're feet are made of cement trying to stay with the talented youngster.  Looch's physical forecheck opening up room (time and space) for Krejci and Ryder to operate in the offensive zone with the precision of surgeons, separating the Habs from their very soul. Looch suspended, no worries understudy  Bryon Bitz, promptly set up Thorton (the one who shows in the PO's) for a hhuge goal and ground it out with the best 4th line in the NHL , holding the Habs to 5 shots in the 3rd period of a one goal game in game 3. 

More?? Patrice Bergeron announcing to the entire NHL that he is BACK and he is not going to take anymore BS!! The southpaw (who knew?) wailed on Josh Gorges (who coincidently had hit Bergy from behind in the regular season finale) in the first fight of his NHL career. Bergy was arguably the best two way player in the series and his pass to send in Phil Kessel alone in game 4 was a thing of beauty. Michael Ryder returning to the city who had no use for him a year ago and tore them limb from limb to end the series tied with the Pens' Malkin for the most goals and points in the first round (IN ONLY 4 GAMES).

It was a memorable and TOTAL team effort - and a thing of beauty to be able to send the Habs off to the first tee in FOUR. This team is deep, talented, plays with grit, jam and discipline and is on a MISSION! As Jack Edwards has said - "Boston is a hockey town again!"

Bruins fans have shown their support and excitement surrounding the team's chace for the Cup by participating in the Right to Play Bruins Playoff Challenge. The fundraiser was established by Bruins fans to support the charitable organization Right to Playt, a truly worth cause embraced by  three Bruins, Chara, Ference, and Montador. Fans can join the challenge by making a pledge for a game, a series, or the remainder of the playoffs.  For example, some fans, upon hearing of Looch's suspension pledged $5.00 for every Bitz point (bingo an assist and Bitzy's play helps the cause!).  Others pledged varying amounts for Kessel's goals, Savvy's assists, a B's sweep...and the list goes on!! Join the fun in for round two, make a pledge, get a friend to match it - challenge a foe...it doesn't matter...have fun celebrating the Bruins' success while supporting Right to Play.

Bruins' player and Right to Play athlete Steve Montador has graciously donated an autographed stick to be given to the largest donation.  Also, 2 seats to a selected home Bruins game in 09-10 are up for grabs for the largest donation made in Round 2 of the playoffs.  We are looking forward to more exciting prizes to be announced as the Bruins Playoff Challenge continues.

Make your pledge, track your stats and when you are ready to make your donation click on www.righttoplay.com/goto/BruinsPlayoffs to support the cause.

First, and big note of thanks to the Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa and his Bruins Blog  for the shoutout regarding Bruins fans raising funds for a great cause, Right to Play! Bruins players, Zdeno Chara, Andrew Ference, and Steve Montador support Right to Play and Bruins fans are joining in!!

Here's the link to Fluto's blog

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/...pledge_to.html With the B's locking down the #1 spot in the East, despite the antics of the NHL's biggest embarassment, Sean Avery; there seems to be a return to the good 'ol days of the heated rivaly between the Black and Gold and the Blueshirts.  IF the Rangers hold onto the 8th spot and we see these two teams face-off in round one it could bring out the best of the B's and propel them to a great run through the playoffs.  The tight checking style the B's employed yesterday, and in their earlier shutout win over the Rangers is what is generally known as "playoff style" hockey.  Henrik Lundqvist is an exceptional netminder and will test the B's offensive skill set.  The B's special teams are much more proficeint, on both sides of the ledger, an aspect of the game which can not be underestimated.  The Rangers have struggled all season long to have their "best players" play like their best players, something that the B's depth has an excellent chance to expose in the post-season. Besides, thanks to Mr. Avery's most recent example of childish behavior, what B's fan won't be sitting on the edge of their seat everytime he steps on the ice?? Mr. Avery Bruins fans should thank you, a couple of weeks back when the B's were struggling to find their swagger Tim Thomas was turned into a speed bump and no one reacted, including the oft short tempered Thomas.  Yesterday, Tim Thomas didn't need someone to fight his battle (like you did) and you showed what a coward you are with your hit and run, "who me"  love tap.  The Bruins, and their fans have long memories Mr. Avery and just remember, you decided to poke the bear...I  wonder if anyone will feel the least bit sad when Chara, Lucic, Thorton, or anyone in the Black and Gold puts you through the glass in game 1?  Anyone want to make a Right to Play pledge for the player that teaches Avery a lesson about respecting the game of hockey and the players with whom you share the ice?? 

Bruins Fans here is your chance to celebrate one of the most exciting seasons of hockey we have here in decades AND help children in need.  Most of us have heard that Bruins Captain, Zedno Chara and his teammates Andrew Ference and Steve Montador have given of their time and talents to support the global charity Right to Play. 

Right to Play utilizes sport to help educate and assist children in 22  impoverished countries.  Through AIDS/HIV education, teaching the values of sportsmanship and fair play, and physical education Right to Play has made a tremendous impact on the lives of children.

Through conversations with other Bruins fans, ironically when the glass seemed to be a lot closer to "half empty" a couple of weeks ago, a fan challenge was created. 

The principle is simple, and no donation is too small!! Tie together the B's success in the playoffs to pay dividens for Right to Play.  Get together with other fans and make a creative pledge, $1.00 for every goal your favorite Bruin scores, 0.50 for every Looch hit, 0.25 for everytime Jack Edwards uses fungoes or green light, $5.00 for every win, $2.00 for every point from a Right to Play guy (Zee, Ference, Monty), etc...you get the picture!! It is a playoff pool that will help thousands of children AND demonstrate the huge hearts of the Black and Gold faithful!!

We have set a goal of raising $2,000 by the end of the playoffs, and already we have $180.00 in donations (9%) before the regular season is even complete. So pass the word, taunt that Habs/Rags/Evils fan you know and get them to pony up by matching your pledge...Or just show your love for the B's by helping to spread the word about the Bruins Playoff Challenge.

To learn more about Right to Play and to make a donation to the Bruins' fan fund visit Bruins Playoff Challenge 

Feel free to post YOUR creative pledge!! Pledge small or big...Think of it as your own fantasy playoffs! Let's hear from you Bruins fans!

Me: $10 for every Bergy goal, $2 for every Playoff win (16 gets us the cup!), $5 for every TT shutout, .0.10 for every Looch hit (I'm not RICH!!!), and $1 for every assist by a Right to Play guy!

Here we go Bruins - Here we Go!! (the REAL Gahden chant!!)