Boston blanked defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago last night 3-0, with the victory giving the Bruins a 4-1-0 record since a stretch that saw them win just once in 7 games. Also encouraging, these wins have all come against quality opponents: the Devils, Canadiens, Flyers and Blackhawks. Perhaps the best news for the B's is that their most important players are stepping up big with the playoffs on the horizon. Tim Thomas has started all 4 of Boston's recent wins, posting a 0.50 GAA, .983 save percentage and 2 shutouts along the way. Team captain Zdeno Chara has perhaps been playing his best hockey as a Bruin since being ejected from the March 8 game for his hit against Montreal's Max Pacioretty. In the 10 games since the hit Big Z has tallied 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points and a +10 plus/minus. Meanwhile the Celtics find themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum, having dropped 3 of 4 and 7 of their last 12. Equally discouraging is the fact that the C's biggest players seem to be doing so little. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have lacked consistency, Ray Allen has failed to find shots (and is not happy about it), and Rajon Rondo has been a complete enigma since the All Star break. Is he hurt? Was he benched against Minnesota? The only player with a consistently solid performance is Glen Davis, and though Big Baby is unquestionably an excellent reserve, no reserve is going to carry his team to the promised land. The assumed returns of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal will certainly help, but only if Boston's 'Big 4' can regain their All Star form and lead the way. With 2 days of practice before their next game it's important for Doc Rivers to right the Celtics ship in a hurry. Back-to-back road games later this week against the Spurs and Hawks could spell more trouble, and if things continue to get any worse for Boston they may run out of time before being able to make them any better.
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