On a hockey-less night, in the absence of NHL playoff games, there is time to relax. The suspense is on hold, unless you were a Celtics fan praying for a Cavalier exit in game six of the NBA playoffs.
After all, how much cliff-hanging anxiety can Boston fans possibly endure? Before this evening, both winter teams had not yet sealed the deal. The Bruins in particular, seemed to be on the brink of implosion.
Playing in Boston tonight, the Celtics were in a game six situation and did not want to travel back to Cleveland for a final game against the league-leading Cavaliers. But the Celts pulled it out, 94-85. So at least one Boston winter team plays on, with the Celts reaching their Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.
After all, how much cliff-hanging anxiety can Boston fans possibly endure? Before this evening, both winter teams had not yet sealed the deal. The Bruins in particular, seemed to be on the brink of implosion.
Playing in Boston tonight, the Celtics were in a game six situation and did not want to travel back to Cleveland for a final game against the league-leading Cavaliers. But the Celts pulled it out, 94-85. So at least one Boston winter team plays on, with the Celts reaching their Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.
What are the odds that two winter teams from the same town both go to their Conference finals? It is a scheduling nightmare for the NBA and NHL, but the teams will take it (and the extra gate revenue from more playoff games). TD Gardens and the hospitality business in Boston also get to rake in more money, the longer these teams endure.
Tomorrow night, Boston's hockey team has no second chances. Unless the Bruins can win their game seven, it is the end of the line. They've lost three straight games to the Philadelphia Flyers - only the sixth time in NHL history that a team up by 3 games has blown it's lead. If Philly wins four straight, it will only be the third time in league history. The betting money is on Philly to come out on top.
Boston hockey fans are on edge. The big Mo is on Philly's side. The Flyers have gotten unbelievable goaltending from TWO netminders. Tomorrow night, the Bruins will face Michael Leighton in goal. He has stopped 44 of the past 45 shots. He is fresh (replaced Brian Boucher in the last game). Boston's offense has disappeared in the past two games, with only one goal scored in six periods of play.
Whoever wins tomorrow faces the Montreal Canadiens at 7pm on Sunday, in the Eastern Conference finals. The Western Conference finals kick off at 3pm that day (a noontime start at the HP Pavilion in San Jose).
Hockey resumes on Friday with the NHL last semi-final game, and the start of the Canada junior Memorial Cup tournament. It will be a chance to see top draft prospects in action on the ice. The Memorial Cup concludes on Sunday, May 23. So do the IIHF World Championships. Then comes the Stanley Cup finals. There's plenty of hockey left in the tank.
Hockey Rules.
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