Tonight hockey fans get to look forward to a match-up of two of the NHL’s most storied rivals.

The Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins will face off with bragging rights, the divisional lead and more on the line in Boston tonight.

In fact, our fav Bruins fan @sarah_connors has a bet going on that could see her forced to change her Twitter avatar to a photo of her wearing Habs gear until January 8, 2011 when the 2 teams meet again.

As of today, pre-game, the Canadiens have a 2 point lead in the Northeast Division standings, but the Bruins have played 3 fewer games on the schedule.  If the Habs hope to create some space their only option is to pick up a big road win against their old foes.

Boston though has a chance to tie the Canadiens in the standings while keeping their 3 games in hand.  It would be a big win for the B’s at home and it would certainly make the fans feel even better about the good start that the team has gotten off to.

You can be sure that the fans, players and everyone involved with the teams will be amped up and ready for this game.  I imagine that there will be some Montreal fans in the arena and that means that there is a chance for either a chant of “Go Habs Go” or “Ole Ole Ole” during the game.  That never goes over well with the hometown fans and could cause some friction in the seats.  It could also result in some rowdy fun.

On the ice we could be looking at a showdown of 2 goaltenders that have risen back up to show the hockey world that they are still premium players in the NHL.  Last season both Tim Thomas and Carey Price lost their starting jobs in net for their respective teams.  But this season they are both near the top of the league’s goalies.

It is also a chance for the 2 teams to showcase their star rookies against each other for the first time.  I have no idea what it must feel like to be Tyler Seguin or PK Subban getting ready for their first ever Canadiens vs. Bruins rivalry game.  That is an intensity that I can’t put into words.

The puck drops tonight at 7pm on NESN in the US and RDS and TSN in Canada.  Will you be watching?

Get ready!

Tags: Bruins, canadiens, Carey Price, Habs, Tim Thomas