Sad as it is that the Avs don't get to participate in this year's Standley Cup Playoffs, I am really glad I get to see the series between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens.

This series is absolutely fantastic to watch. Among all the series that I've watched, this one ranks in the top five. I still love the Avs/Devils final in 2001, the Avs/Detroit series from 2006, the Flyers/Pengs Conference final last year but this series is right there with them.

Both of these teams are extremely talented, have a lot of history and can play either way. Both Boston and Montreal can play the skill game but they also can pull out the physical game too. Both teams are also explosive. Several times in this game 2, nothing seems to be happening and suddenly BAM! there's a really good scoring chance or someone is skating into the zone with the puck.

It is incredible to watch each of these teams play. Not a single person goes unchecked, nor does anyone give up on the play. The game hasn't been clogged in the neutral zone at all. It has had great flow and wonderful intensity.

However, I gotta give a tip of the hat to Boston. Boston is one of the few teams that can play anyway their opposition wants and come out top. They have enough skill to compete at a high level and they have enough grit to keep anyone from knocking them off of their game. They have a solid defensive corps that gets the forwards activated on the rush and an outstanding goalie.

I don't know if they're the best but they are damn good and it will be a feat for a team to beat them 4 times in a series.

For now though, I am ecstatic that the fans of the NHL, especially new ones, get to see this. If the NHL is to grow as a series, it needs more series like this.

Musick notes

I have to agree with Jon Jordan that NHL has to back away a little bit. What Carcillo got suspended for used to be a hard-nosed play. Not condoning what he did and I still believe we need players to restrict themselves but it used to be players like Carcillo didn't get away with this stuff because another member of the opposing team would lay him out. Now players have to hope the league does something about him. I think there must be limits to what players can and cannot do but I think the league is trying to micro manage right now. And regardless of whichever way the league goes with this they need to do it consistent. If Carillo was suspended so should have Cammaleri

I have to apologize to the Ranger fans. I picked the Caps in 4 and now you're up 2-0. I sorely underestimated your team, and especially Henrik Lundqvist. I'll just sit here and eat my crow while you guys start packing your bags for round 2.

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