I’m an Islander’s fan, but I have tremendous respect for the Bruins, always have. I always loved Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, I loved the way Terry O’Reilly played, love Bergeron, what a player. Maybe it’s because I’m a Patriot’s fan, but I love the city of Boston, my whole family does. I’ve gone to Boston at least 20 times on vacation, I just love the region. I also have a close friend who’s a Bruin‘s fan, been friends with him since 1976 I believe. So I was rooting for the Bruins a few years back, when they lost to St Louis in the Cup Finals. And was happy when the won the Cup 10 years ago. I predicted they would win the East this year.
It’s really a weird series, the Bruins are definitely the better team, the more talented team, I don’t know how the Isles win. The players they have, the talent level is probably the worst of any teams left, they give up a TON of shots, and very rarely win by more than 1 goal. They have trouble scoring, yet somehow lead all playoff teams in goals. Their style of play doesn’t seem sustainable. But I think it’s a combo of great goaltending and hall of fame leadership (GM & Coach). It really is perplexing. They get zero respect from other team’s fans, but since Lamoriello & Trotz took over, they got to the final 8 two years ago, final 4 last year, and final 8 this year, possibly final 4 again.
I think, as a long time Isle’s fan, since 1975, it’s hard for long time Isle’s fans to conceive that we have a good team. From 1994 until 2015, the Isles hadn’t won a playoff series, and only made the playoffs a handful of times, the Isles were a laughing stock of the NHL for many years.