As Elvis Presley often said: “My boy, my boy.”
That’s because it’s nearly heavy-breathing season. Aka, when the Celtics and Bruins gear up for championship runs and – more often than not – break our spoiled hearts.
I’m sorry to be so negative, but it’s true. The C’s haven’t captured the title in 16 years – 2008 seems like just yesterday, no? – and B’s have fallen short in two Stanley Cup Finals since last hoisting in 2011.
But, it’s a new day. The Celtics recently clinched the league’s best record and were the only team to eclipse 60 wins. Eclipse, get it?
As for the Black and Gold, by press time, it’s looking fairly certain they’ll be a top-two team in the East, point-wise.
So, here lies the question making its way through iPhone and dinner table conversations: can both franchises get it done?
Ugh, I really don’t know. I thought the icemen were invincible last season. Then, the Florida Panthers… pounced.
Celtics. Too much pressure? Too many expectations? Are the “If they lose, it’s a failed season” comments going to get to them?
If you ask me – no way, Causeway.
From the bottom of my green and white heart – the one that’s beaten its way through playoff games against Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Curry, and, most recently, Jimmy Butler – I think we’ve got this in the bag.
Tatum – looking for his “best player in the NBA” title – and Brown – looking to prove himself after last season’s frustrating postseason – seem to be the best versions of themselves. They’re both sporting greater than 23-point, 47 percent shooting averages, to boot.
Then, the missing piece Boston has needed since 2010: Kristaps Porzingis.
He is more than delivering on the court, loves The City of Boston off it, and – knock on wood – has stayed healthy. I, for one, can’t wait to see him finish off some alley-oops in front of The Garden’s postseason diehards.
We’ve got depth, shooting, versatility, a home-court crowd, and all the missing pieces needed to bring home banner 18.
That reminds me. “It’s all about 18” has been Boston’s go-to marketing line since 2009. Let’s get it done, please.
That’s one parade down. Now, the more unpredictable group.
The Bruins lost Bergeron, lost Krejci, lost Hall, and lost Bertuzzi. They’ve also punched in more overtime hours than hourly employees (15 times the team has lost in overtime).
So, why would this season end differently than last year’s?
Because, despite having a very similar roster, we don’t know how certain players will fare in their new roles.
This is Brad Marchand’s first postseason as captain, Ullmark’s first with an insecure future ahead of him, and, of course, the team’s first crack at it since the worst series defeat in NHL history.
What else?
Charlie Coyle has reached his career high in goals (25), Zacha is flirting with the 20-goal mark, and David Pastrnak (47) – in my opinion, Leafs fans – is still the best pure goal-scorer in hockey.
But, unfortunately, part of me looks at a hair-pulling power play, disappointing production from Jake DeBrusk (39 points), and an inability to finish in crunch time.
Then, I wonder, déjà vu?
Only time will tell, but Boston sports fans are aching for more gold – or, in hockey, silver. They don’t get their biennial Super Bowl appearances anymore, and the Red Sox, well, I digress.
Anyway, to answer my headline, I’ll predict one for two.
See you in June.
