The promise and the possibility

One year ago, the Bruins found themselves somewhere they hadn't been in 10 years -- the second round of the NHL playoffs.

After an epic sweep of the Montreal Canadiens, it seemed the B's were finally started to gain some recognition in a city they once ruled. As the top-seed in the East, maybe it was finally Boston's year. After all, the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots had all won ... why not the Bruins? Fans chanted "We Want the Cup" during every playoff game in the Garden. The Bruins looked fast, strong, tough. A team that could win it all -- but, then something happened. The dream season so many fans had waited for suddenly ended with a Game 7 overtime loss at home. A heartbreak for the lone franchise out. But was it really a missed opportunity?

The slow start for the Bruins was undoubtedly disappointing. The trading of Phil Kessel, recent Vezina winner Tim Thomas' under-performing in net, and just the overall lack of Boston's ability to score was a complete 180 from their dream season just a year ago. It looked like a return to the postseason was deeply in jeopardy.

But here we all are now, on the brink of the second round. And somehow, as a No. 6 seed, the B's finds themselves with home ice advantage once again. Hosing the No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers, Boston is ready to make amends for what they know was a postseason that should have gone further. Fans are ready to believe again. What better time than now?

And despite all their shortcomings during the regular season, I know I still believe. I believe in this team as much as I did at this time last year. The best thing about sports has always been the unpredictability and the possibility. Maybe what's as remarkable is knowing that for all the injuries and unfortunate setbacks the team faced this season, they're still back where they were a year ago. But hopefully, they'll be happier ending this time around.

It's what the Bruins deserves.