Bedard's Daily Briefing 05.07.19: Bruins epitomize team, Celtics look dysfunctional

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I wonder what will be more entertaining, the Bruins' conference final or the fallout from the Celtics' flameout...

• Bruins are moving on, and the Celtics appear to be packing up for one of the most interesting offseasons in franchise history.


• The Bruins were down 1-2 in the series and then largely dominated the last three games to take the series. What was the difference? Most will point to the goalie difference and I'm not going to discount that. But mostly I think the Bruins just tightened up.


• When I was on with Mike Lynch (congrats on the retirement Lynchie!) on Sunday night, I said I still thought the Bruins were in a good spot as the better team ... they just needed to stop turning the puck over, especially in their own zone. And, outside of Zdeno Chara — who can't handle the puck under pressure anymore — that's largely what happened. Even David Pastrnak was a little better in Game 4, much-improved in Game 5 and now he's rolling. It's amazing what the more talented team can do when they limit their unforced errors.


• As Torey Krug said after Game 5, the Bruins are a scary team when Tuukka Rask is playing like this, and the top line is going. Good luck, Hurricanes.


• Now we'll have to wait to see if Charlie McAvoy is suspended for Game 1. I would not be surprised if he is — he launched himself with the intent to injure and knew exactly what he was doing — and I also wouldn't be surprised if he isn't, considering he has no track record for this. Either decision would be justified.


• I don't think that type of hit should have any place in the game, but that's me. Not everyone is going to feel the same way. If McAvoy was given a match penalty, that would have been enough punishment and he'd be good for Game 1. The minor opens up the possibility of a game.


• NHL Player Safety draws a clear line with the head being the main point of contact and whether or not it was avoidable. McAvoy hit a little gray. It was certainly avoidable, and you could argue the head was the main point of contact. Could also say he got enough of the shoulder to avoid discipline.

• By the way, when David Krejci is healthy and has something to work with, he's really fun to watch.


• There will be a lot of talk today about Brad Marchand's postgame antics. I touched on it yesterday after Game 5, but I largely don't care. If he doesn't care that he comes off like a dinkus — even in Canada — then I don't either.


• As for the Celtics, we wondered what would happen as soon as they encountered any adversity ... yikes. I'm not sure you could have two home games that were bigger disappointments than Games 3 and 4. They look completely out of sync and like they're resigned to their fate.


• Now, unless a miracle happens and the Celtics win the next three games (two on the road), we all get to watch as the house burns down and we get to see what survives. First up, Kyrie Irving ... who looks like he can't wait to leave.


• Don't disagree with Jalen Rose here.

• If the Celtics have any shot, Brad Stevens is going to pull some motivational trick from his sleeve. Like manufacturing some scenario where they all have to be locked in the plane for six hours together. Hey, the long plane ride worked on that West Coast trip. Desperate times...


• The Red Sox smelled the .500 mark ... and then slid back again.

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