"I Don't Get No Respect!"

Over the last ten years, it's not unlike the Bruins' success to fly under the radar, but it's only appropriate that this year be the first since many that they surprise us all with how well they've played. With so many other ridiculous Boston sporting events occurring this year, (the Celtics returning to dominance, the Red Sox losing to the Rays in the ALCS, and Golden Boy Tom Brady going down only to pave the way for the incredible unlikely rise of back up Matt Cassel) the Bruins' winning ways isn't even close to the most bizarre; however I think it's time we gave them our attention. Just in case you haven't heard, munch on this:

The Bruins are first in the Eastern Conference, have a human wall between the rails, the fourth most goals scored in the league, and are six points ahead of Montreal on their birthyear.
Notice that last one? Boston six points ahead of Montreal?? Take a minute to let that one sink in...

Still confused as to what the phrase "ahead of Montreal" means? I don't blame you. It's not something we've heard a lot in Boston recently. Since the strike in 2004, the Bruins have finished 19, 14, and 10 points behind The Northern Bastards. And that doesn't even begin painting the picture. In those three regular seasons, the B's faced off against the Canadiens the same 24 times they did against everyone else in the Northeast...skating off with wins in a mere four of them (only one of which came away from the Garden).

You get the picture: it hasn't been pretty. I bet this trip down memory lane has given you hot flashes and a headache, so I'm sure you're ready for the good news. This year, the Bruins have already doubled their win total against The Bastards and have scored one less goal than they did against them - - - IN ALL EIGHT GAMES LAST YEAR. At the pace their at, even though they'll only face Montreal six times rather than eight this year, the Bruins could not only match their win total, but could also double the points they've scored against those cold ass hockey players. Which brings me to my next point:

The Bruins are freakin' scoring - especially compared to last year. Watching the offense was like watching a movie where Ben Stiller is trying to get a woman to date him. Any woman. It's just painful and rarely successful, usually leading me, at many points, to close my eyes in horror as I can't even imagine someone failing so miserably. This awkwardness and failure lines up perfectly with what most fans felt watching the Bruins skate off defense last year. The B's only put the puck in the net 212 times over the regular season and scored over five goals only nine times. Most fans probably don't remember this that well...probably because during most offensive possessions their eyes were covered by their sweaty, trembling hands.

Not this year. That awkward Ben Stiller has been thrown out for a better looking and more confident Brad Pitt. Now they're not only scoring to scrape by, they're they're putting merciless beat downs on teams. In the 21 games they've played, the Bruins have put up more than five goals six times. They average almost a goal more than their opponents (up from last year when they scored a tenth of a goal LESS than their foes) and sit sixth in the league with 3.14 goals per game (up from last year's sixth WORST 2.51). Quite an offensive turn around for a team that was suppose to be carried by their defense.

Oh yeah...the defense. Think they've gone unnoticed this year? Not in the leader boards they haven't. The Bruins allow only 2.15 goals per game...second in the NHL. Tim Thomas has established himself as the backbone of the team as he leads the league in both goals against and save percentage. For a team that probably doesn't even need it on most nights, the Bruins have arguably the best defense in any rink on any day.

As far as aggression and speed goes, there really isn't much to say. If you want to sum up the season in one quick swoop, just Youtube Milan Lucic.

Nough said.