B’s-Habs a rivalry refueled
Original Six matchup relished
Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo understands what makes the rivalry between Boston and Montreal an entity that transcends time and distance.
The Bruins and the Canadiens faced off for the fourth and final time this season on Wednesday night at the TD Garden with Boston up 2-1 in the series.
Carlo, 23, is from Colorado Springs, Colo., which makes him generationally and geographically removed from the Bruins vs. Canadiens battle that has existed for nearly a century.
Carlo didn’t need to be drafted 37th overall by Boston in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft to appreciate the unique place the rivalry holds in league history.
“I think if you know anything about hockey, you have an understanding of the rivalry,” said Carlo. “They are two Original Six teams, and that’s pretty special in itself, and there is so much history behind it.
“There were the big, bad Bruins back in the day, competing really hard and playing that style of game against Montreal, and typically they were a lot of fun to watch.”
Bruins second line left wing Jake DeBrusk, 23, is from Edmonton, Canada, an isolated metropolis with a rich and successful NHL heritage forged outside the scope of the Original Six.
The Bruins and the Canadiens have an all-encompassing vendetta that inflames their respective fan bases. DeBrusk became aware of that reality the day he put on the black and gold, and it carries to this day.
“The respect will be there,” said DeBrusk. “There is always an emotional side to things when Boston plays Montreal, especially at the Garden.
“I think it will be pretty intense, to be honest with you, and I’m looking forward toit.”
The Habs won the opener 5-4 in the Centre Bell on Nov. 5 and lost the rematch 8-1 on home ice on Nov. 26. The Bruins took the third encounter 3-1 at the Garden on Dec. 1. DeBrusk senses a demonstrative uptick in the house when the Habs are in town, and that vibe cuts both ways.
“When I played the two up there in the Bell Centre against them there is an energy that they have for their team that comes this way, as well,” said DeBrusk.
“These are Original Six teams and perhaps the biggest rivalry in hockey. It’s is the kind of atmosphere we love to play in, especially here at the Garden, and this is the last time we play them.”
The Bruins and the Canadiens went into the game with different agendas. The Bruins are in first place in the Atlantic Division and determined to maintain their lead over the resurgent Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Canadiens, under the stewardship of former Bruins coach Claude Julien, are in the middle of the pack and fighting for a playoff spot.
“Obviously we are on a pretty good streak, but I didn’t like our last game in Detroit,” said DeBrusk. “We are moving on to Montreal and it will be pretty emotional for both sides.
“We understand that teams are coming for us and they pretty much have all year. We had a pretty good start, so whether its measuring stick of just competitiveness, you always want to beat the best.”