Sure, there have been glimpses of the elevated levels that Bruins fans know the team can reach, but the B's have not sustained that intensity for long stretches of time. However, at the end of a long stretch of ups and downs, Boston still sits atop the Northeast Division.
That lead, of course, will be tested on Saturday in Montreal. The Canadiens are just one point behind the Bruins in the standings, and have the power to knock the B's out of first. If there's ever a time for Boston to kick it up to the next gear, it's now.
The Bruins have the tools to take the Northeast Division handily, and fans have seen what the team can do when they band together as a unit (Dec. 23 against Atlanta, anyone?) Sustaining that unit through the second half is key, however, and it will take much more than what the team gave against the Wild to prove they are in it for the long haul this season.
The mark of a championship team is one that plays to their level at all times, and never drops down to its weaker opponents. The Bruins face a challenge as they play in one of the league's weakest divisions, but they can't let the lower-ranked opponents drag them down.
Matching up with Montreal will be a true test for the B's, but they have the opportunity to set the pace for the next half of the season against one of their toughest opponents.
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