Boston has lost in the first ronnd of the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of the last two seasons. A loss tonight and it will be three.

01:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 19, 2004

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

The last time Boston sports fans had to deal with a Game 7, the results were not positive.

Does Aaron Boone ring a bell?

Well, the Boston Bruins have a chance to right the wrong if they can beat the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup tonight at the FleetCenter. If not, misery will have a whole new meaning around these parts.

Boston has been one victory away from ending the series twice, but the Habs won both games to even the series at 3-3. After the Bruins posted a 4-3 double-overtime victory in Montreal, the Canadiens b won by 5-1 at the FleetCenter and 5-2 at the Bell Centre.

A third straight loss tonight would make it three consecutive first-round playoff exits for the Bruins. Two seasons ago, the Canadiens dismantled Boston in six games, and the New Jersey Devils took last year's series in five.

The Bruins have responded to adversity all season, and they're looking to do the same tonight.

"We have a resilient group," said Bruins coach Mike Sullivan. "The guys are obviously disappointed that they let a couple of games slip by us. But our guys are really looking forward to the opportunity for a Game 7. These guys have had success in the regular season because they believe in themselves and that's not going to change. We're not going to allow it to change."

This Bruins team has the ability to make a serious run at Lord Stanley's Cup. But everyone knew the first round would be the toughest, no matter who the opponent might be.

"I don't think we were overconfident," said Boston goalie Andrew Raycroft. "But, when you're up 3-1, it's a lot harder to be desperate than when you're down 3-1. I don't think anyone expects to win now. So, if anything, maybe the pressure is off us a little bit."

The Bruins are hoping tonight will be their night. It will be the sixth time the teams have played a Game 7. Montreal eliminated the Bruins in 1952, '71 and '79, but Boston won in '91 and '94.

During the 1994 conference quarterfinal series, Boston took the final game, 5-3, at the old Boston Garden with Fred Knipscheer scoring the game-winning goal.

"Somebody's season is going to end and that's pressure enough," said Bruins forward Mike Knuble. "Both teams are going to feel pressure and we want to capitalize on the enthusiasm of the crowd, like Montreal had."

History is certainly on the Bruins' side. The club is 14-0 all-time in the playoffs when it has held a 3-1 advantage. However, after Boston dominated in a 3-0 victory in Game 1, and posted a 2-1 overtime win in Game 2, the Canadiens have had the momentum.

Both teams will attempt to forget the past and concentrate all energies on tonight's pivotal game.

"It will be the most exciting game of the playoff," said Canadiens' Alex Kovalev. "When you get to the seventh game . . . you know you have to give whatever you have, because there will be no more games unless you win. You can't think about anything else."

No doubt, Bruins' fans are hoping for a victory tonight as the clubs finish their 30th all-time playoff series.

"It's going to be a big day in Boston and we all understand that," said Raycroft. "We're expecting a nice, loud crowd on our side. Montreal versus Boston in a Game 7 on Marathon Monday, it's doesn't get any bigger or better than that."

It would be if Bruins' fans get their Game 7 victory.