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As an avid Boston sports fan, I can gladly say I’ve been spoiled over the past decade.
From 2001-2010, New England-based professional sports teams have combined for a total of six World Championships in eight appearances with 13 division titles. I witnessed the Patriots not only win their first ever Lombardi trophy, but two more after that. And let’s certainly not forget about “The Comeback” when the Red Sox finally won, after an 86-year drought — a lifetime for some.
To say the least, I consider myself a lucky fan, born at the perfect time to see some amazing happen — like the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship.
Each year, sports fans take a look at their city’s chances of bringing home glory, preparing for either seasons of misery or title runs of hope. For very few, a championship is within reach across all sports each year, but for most others, having each team go .500 is a productive year.
There has never been a time in professional sports history when a city has been home to four different professional sports titles within the same year. Philadelphia remains the only city having ever had an opportunity to accomplish the feat — with all four of its major sports teams competing for championships in 1980-81, only one team — the Phillies — took home a trophy.
The city of Detroit has successfully won three, with the Tigers winning the World Series, the Lions winning the NFL Championship and the Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup back in 1935-36.
Having two professional sports teams double up in the same season is not a rare event — the latest incident was just two years ago, when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins combined for both the Super Bowl and Stanley Cup titles. Boston has executed the dual championship once, in 2004, with the Red Sox and Patriots.
With both the Bruins and Celtics currently looking to go deep into the playoffs, its about time we look at their chances to go all the way, along with upcoming bids of both the Red Sox and Patriots — pending a season. Here are the chances for Boston winning a championship within the next year:
Boston Bruins — 67 percent
The No. 3 seed Bruins currently lead their opening quarterfinal series, 3-2, against division-rival No. 6 seed Montreal Canadiens. Lacking home ice advantage for their next game on Tuesday, it’s going to be mighty tough for the Bruins to wrap up the series in Game 6, but two of their three wins have come in Habs Country. If the Bruins are able to come out winners, they will face the winner of the Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres.
If the Bruins manage to get through the Eastern conference’s rich talent and make the Stanley Cup Finals, they will win it. I love the Bruins’ chances this year. If Boston truly has a shot at bringing back two championships in 2011, the Bruins will be half the reason.
Boston Celtics — 54 percent
The No. 3 seed Celtics already booked a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals, facing — most likely — against the Miami Heat in a much-anticipated seven-game series. Moving on to the conference finals would most likely feature a matchup against either No. 4 seed Orlando Magic or the league’s best team, the Chicago Bulls.
The Celtics are showing superb endurance and control in their series with the Heat, but they will need some extra firepower in order to roll through the next couple rounds. I see the Celtics as a strong team and definitely a contender for the title, but the deck is stacked against them.
Boston Red Sox — 78 percent
Forget about the bad start. The Red Sox are now 9-11, and slowly, but surely, climbing the ladder back to normality. To all of you Yankees fans out there: Enjoy your time at the top. Just remember to check over your shoulder every once in a while. When October comes, there is no doubt in my mind this team will be clicking on all cylinders, chugging away like an unstoppable locomotive to the World Series.
New England Patriots — 11 percent
Please, don’t think I’m being overdramatic in calling the Patriots’ season over already because of their disappointing playoff exit last season. The 11 percent above does not predict the team’s chances for having a successful season; instead, these are the chances for even having a season. The NFL lockout obviously impairs this percentage, but with a viable season, I’d like to say the number would be around 61 percent. The Patriots will, once again, be one of the league’s top teams.
Quarterback Tom Brady remains in his prime, but problems with the offensive line could cause trouble. A few minor fixes in roster management should put this team on a list of Super Bowl contenders with Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and defending champion Green Bay.
