Bruins flip while Celtics flop
Seems like only yesterday when folks were freaking out over a Boston sports team that looked like it had no hope for the remainder of its season.
And then there was the other Boston sports team that everyone knew would be there for the playoffs, ready to challenge for a title.
In January, statement No. 1 fit the Bruins, while statement No. 2 was about the Celtics.
Now?
After a 9-4-1 finish to the season – and not to mention a favorable first-round matchup – the Bruins are the team that seems to be turning it on at the right time.
As for the Celtics, well, they’re at least going to make the playoffs. That counts for something, right?
Perhaps, but when you look at where the Cs were on Christmas Day – a 23-5 record after beating the Magic 86-77 – and compare it to now, disappointing is the only word that comes to mind.
Since that win over Orlando, Boston has gone 27-25. Sure the Celtics are in the playoffs. Sure they’ve won their division. Sure it’s another 50-win season.
But is it really something to be proud of, especially given the way they’ve played this season? No one needs me to remind them of loses to the Clippers (28-52), the Warriors (25-55), the Knicks (28-52) and the Nets (12-68). But I will anyway.
Some of the losses have been maddening, considering the Celtics have led most of them at some point in the second half.
What’s even worse is the number of bad losses at home, like the one to the Nets. Throw in a 20-points loss to the Grizzlies and a baffling loss to the Wizards last Friday, and it’s a cause for concern.
Maybe the Celtics will flip the switch for the playoffs and make a run at another title, but I wouldn’t count on it.
As for the Bruins, what a turnaround this season has been. Less than a month ago, their season seemed lost.
The hot streak seemed like it would be all for not when Dennis Seidenberg went out for the year. How negatives can one team take in one season? To lose the one deadline acquisition just seemed like it was the final kick in the teeth.
And the Bruins get seven of a possible eight points in their final four games – including three of four points against the Capitals.
Given their success against Buffalo this season (4-2 overall, and 4-1 with Tuukka Rask in goal), don’t be surprised if the Bruins make it to the second round.
Given where this team was just a short while ago, the season would have to be considered a success.
That’s certainly more than you can say for the Celtics.
[...] starting the year 23-5, the Celtics have no doubt struggled, and that’s probably putting it in the best of terms. Boston is 27-26 since then, with one [...]