It Was A Very Good Week For Boston Sports
BOSTON (CBS) - Everywhere I have gone the past 24 hours... Dunkin' Donuts, the gym, the Garden, Easter Brunch, the office, etc... all I hear is, "How about them Bruins!" or "Can the Celtics beat the Heat" or "How about that Red Sox starting pitching!"
All good stuff.
And, that's what we have going on in Boston and throughout New England in the sports world lately. Great times.
How about this number? In the past 8 days (or dating back to Sunday, April 17th), the Bruins (3-0), Celtics (4-0), and the Red Sox (7-1) are a combined 14-1.
14-1!!!!
Bruins Boychuck and Campbell Chat About Boston's 14-1 Week
It's like being the weather guy during a summer 10-day stretch of sunny and 80-degree weather. No one yells at you or complains. They just walk up to you and smile. Some even hug (well, not really). It just feels real good to be a follower of the pro teams.
Read: Chara Humbled By Norris Nomination
The Bruins are leading the way and rightfully so. There is nothing like sudden death overtime in playoff hockey. It's pure tension for however long it lasts. Add in a comeback from an 0-2 deficit against your arch-rival and it's easy to see why the B's are as big a story as you'll find. And the TV ratings from Saturday night prove it. Seemed like everyone watched the B's nip the Habs 2-1 on Nathan Horton's goal in the second extra session, and a lot of people didn't start watching until overtime. Which is fine. Climb on board. Makes it more fun.
Meanwhile, it's hard to believe the Celtics Big Three (now Big 4) has never swept a team in the playoffs. Until now.
Boston swept away an injury depleted NY Knicks team for their first sweep since 1992. Blowout wins in New York were a pleasant surprise following two tough down-to-the-wire wins at the garden. It's amazing how these guys can look so bad down the stretch of the regular season and then suddenly turn things on. It's a tribute to KG, Paul, Ray, Rondo, and Doc. They become different players.
Listen: Felger & Mazz: The Importance Of An Aggressive Rondo
Next up, the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers. It would be surprising if the Sixers rally from their 3-1 deficit, but we all know around here that anything can happen. However, it appears that it will be Miami and that would be fascinating to watch.
We saw how the Celts Big Three came together in one year, but we also heard about how difficult it was. Can Lebron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh pull it out? Sure. However, after last season's run... I will never, ever bet against these Celtics. Especially not with a healthy KG. He's the man that makes them go, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Plus, the Celts get a week's worth of rest.
And finally, the Red Sox. A team that got off to that baffling 0-6 start. A team that we were told may have a tough time winning 90 games.
All of a sudden, the surging Sox have won 5 in a row and 8 of 9 to put their record at a respectable 10-11. That's amazing if you consider where they were.
Keep this in mind too...
The 2004 Red Sox team went 11-14 in June and 14-12 in July en route to winning 98 regular season games and the 2007 team went 13-14 in June, 15-12 in July, and 16-13 in August.
Listen: Gresh & Zo: Red Sox Are Streaking!
So for all that panicking, it turns out this Sox team has a chance to win 90-100 games.
Finally, I know the question around here now is... how long will the good times last? Always is.
Answer: Who knows?
But, for now, just enjoy it. At least until 7 o'clock Tuesday night when the B's take to the ice in Game Six in Montreal and the Sox open up a three game series in Baltimore against the Orioles.
