This year the feeling around the hub of hockey is different. After a hard fought 4-2 win in Montreal, the baby B’s have given themselves a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

The Canadiens came out buzzing in the first period, but a crazy tip-in goal by Phil Kessel tied the score right just before the two teams headed for the locker room. Both teams were physical, and despite the absence of a suspended Milan Lucic, the Bruins didn’t back down. In fact, they came out in the second frame and played like they have all year. Aggressive on both ends of the ice, Shawn Thornton scored his first career playoff goal to give the Bruins the lead. Even though Yannick Weber tied it just a few minutes later, Boston showed great resolve and Michael Ryder put home a rebound to give them the lead for good. In years past, the B’s would have been dejected and probably would have caved under the pressure of playing in the Bell Centre. Again, this year is different. They shut down Le Habs in the third, allowing just five shots.

Going forward, game four of the series will be in progress at press time. It is conceivable that Boston could sweep, but the Canadiens will be desperate, and the Bruins know this. As the number one seed, they have had pressure almost all season long. Wednesday night will be no different, but for once there is a feeling that this could be the year for the Bruins. Whether it is the recent success of the other three Boston area teams or the fact they have three lines capable of scoring to go with a core defensive group, including arguably the best goaltender in all of hockey, the Bruins seem to have a confidence and swagger that they lacked in so many of their previous failed playoff runs. Whatever the difference, it seems as though the ghosts that have haunted the Bruins in Montreal for so many years may finally have been exorcised.

If the Bruins do hold on to win one of the final four games, you can send a memo to the other three teams remaining in the Eastern Conference to look out. The B’s are playing with a purpose, and so long as their young scorers continue to produce, they very well may be the last team standing.

If game three is any indication of things to come, this team could do what no other Bruins group has done since number four patrolled the blue line. And it’s about time if you ask me, because after last year’s game seven debacle, some revenge is in order.