On the other hand Bergeron has really started to show some energy and the touch and playmaking he had before the concussions, so that’s a plus. There’s my second choice for the Masterton, Sullivan being my first.

You are so right about Kovalev — look in the dictionary under enigma and there he is. If he plays like he can, he can make this series a pick’em.

I think Recchi’s the X-factor. His maturity and experience combined with that PP savvy equals the Bruin balance-tipper in the series. Also if Lucic brings it like he can, the Habs have no answer for him.

Schneider can make up (almost, perhaps) for the loss of Markov on the PP, but no one they have can anchor the D in their own end like Markov. Big factor.

Overall on D, though, it’s Boston all the way. Chara’s a horse who scores big ones on the PP. Wideman’s quietly become a threat on the PP and a force in his own end. Hunwick and Montador can play effectively up front, too.

And Savard and Kessel and Ryder and Wheeler…

As for Thomas: he’s an inspiration to his team and seems to rise to the occasion as required, but Price has the pure ability of a Roy.
If he gets his swagger back (and we saw some of it before his team let him down yet again on Saturday night vs. Pittsburgh), look out. Big IF, I know, but I never count out an 8th seed with weapons like the Habs have.

For what it’s worth I like Rask over Fernandez, but unless Manny’s wonky back slips out, we won’t even see Tuukka on the bench. If he was there, though, I’d like the Bruins chances even better.

BUT — all that having been said: those Habs give me a hinky feeling — I never count them out.

SO: (deep breath) Bruins in five (maybe four if they start to roll), but if it goes seven: Habs.