The Spirit of Boston

A Happy Patriots Day, the holiday meant for Massachusetts, hope it went well for all. This day, along with the events of the past week have brought about the joy and spirit of Boston, not this one. Even with a few letdowns it has been an upbeat glass half full week for Boston sports fans.

After a rough beginning, and the loss of Dice-K the Red Sox righted their ship, (more boat puns). With a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles capped off by a 12-1 beat down on Marathon Monday, the Red Sox bring momentum into the week which concludes with their first series of the season against the Evil Empire.

Down South in Foxboro the Patriots' official 2009-2010 NFL schedule was released. With a healthy Tom Brady this could be an easy schedule for the Patriots. An absence of the usual Steelers and Chargers, and in place a Denver team in the midst of a personal crisis, as well as a Ravens team who seems to have lost all of their defensive stars. The NFC South is a conference that is always unpredictable. One year 10-6 may not be good enough, the next 9-7 is the clear cut Divisional Winner.

To the ice, the Bruins have made it look easy in the first three games against the Montreal Canadiens in the Playoffs. Even with the questionable suspension of Milan Lucic, the Bruins handled the Habs, 4-2, in Montreal. Proof that the last regular season game between the two did not get into the Bruins' heads. A lot of credit deserves to go to Phil Kessel and mark Savard, with five points each this postseason.

In an optimistic view give credit to the Celtics for fighting against the Bulls, and do not hit the panic button yet. Even in a horrible performance by Ray Allen, and just about every Celtics player it still took overtime for the Bulls to sure up a game one victory. The Celtics would not let up twice as they defeated the Bulls 118-115 despite 42 points from Ben Gordon.

Give credit to Rajon Rondo for stepping up big for the team without Kevin Garnett. Rondo is averaging a triple double for the team this postseason with 24 points , 10.5 rebounds, and 11 assists a game. Look for the Celtics to try to avenge that home loss.

It seems as though this entire decade has been the time for Boston fans to celebrate and hold their heads up high. This past week has given hope that that feeling is not ready to leave just yet. At least not until something bad happens soon.