If given the choice, New England sports fans would love to have a quadruple-crowner in a given year, with the B’s, C’s, Pats and Sox taking home trophies and rings galore.
Short of that, the dawn of a new year is still a good time to start hoping. In New England, that means better results this year than in 2012. The Patriots could not only advance to the Super Bowl but could also win it. The Red Sox could shake off those 93 losses and post a .500 record, then even advance to the playoffs. The Celtics could bust through to the Finals. And the Bruins could play hockey.
But which one would you like to see happen the most?
While the Patriots have had the most success compared to the other local sports teams in the last few years, they’re also the pro New England franchise that has gone the longest without a championship. That’s right — after the Pats went 3-for-4 in 2001, 2003 and 2004, they’ve failed to win a title in their last two attempts. With Tom Brady getting up there in years, the offense loaded with talent and the young defense finally clicking, this could be — and may have to be — the year.
The Red Sox have put themselves in prime position to be overachievers next year. While their offseason acquisitions haven’t had the glitz of some other teams, they’ve built a solid foundation to bounce back from the 93-loss, Bobby Valentine-marred season that was. After a rough year or so for the fans, seeing the Sox challenge in the suddenly stacked American League East would be a great way to enjoy six or seven months of the new year.
While the Celtics have looked quite bad so far this season, diehard fans remember how shaky this team was for a few dozen games last year. The Green got it together, and quick, peaking near the playoffs and then throwing off their old-man image with a resounding run. They were oh-so-close to toppling the Heat for another chance at the NBA title, and Kevin Garnett signed up to try it again this year. Miami has added former Celtic Ray Allen, and LeBron James looks as good as ever, but the C’s can be counted on come playoff time.
Finally, the Bruins ran out of gas early in their Stanley Cup defense, falling to Washington in the first round of last year’s playoffs. But with plenty of young talent and many players signed to new deals just this fall, the team is up for another run. The question now is whether hockey will return and give the B’s a chance to make some noise.
What do you think? What is highest on your wish list going into the new year?
You can also tweet your responses with #NESN2012wishlist for a chance to see it on NESN Daily.
