By: Jess Lander, YawkeyTalkies Editor

Boston went into the 2010 playoffs with little hope. Both the Bruins and the Celtics entered the first round off of pretty disappointing seasons. The Celtics were burnt out, the Bruins couldn’t seem to score or defend. All eyes started to focus on the Red Sox, as our only hope for 2010.

But then things changed.

The Red Sox had their worst start since before anyone alive could remember. Our three aces that were supposed to be the best starting rotation in the MLB failed us. Our newly molded run prevention defense couldn’t even stop the Orioles. And our offense…well, what offense?

Then, the Bruins and the Celtics, made it past the first round. The eyebrows of Boston raised, but only slightly.

Ahead, the Celtics faced the challenge of playing the best player in the NBA, and a team that was on the shortlist for possible 2010 Champions. Miami and Dwayne Wade was one thing, but beating the Cavs and LeBron James seemed unlikely. The Bruins on the other hand, got a luckier draw. The Philadelphia Flyers were doable, but then the Bruins made them look like the turkey post-Thanksgiving dinner. Taking a quick 3-0 lead, the path to the Eastern Conference Finals was going to be a cake-walk.

And that brings us to today.

The Red Sox are hot and cold. After a stellar four-game sweep of the Angels where they produced 36 runs in four games, they crumbled under the pressure of pin stripes, and then couldn’t even handle Toronto. As a distraction, Boston would love for some more time in playoffs, and it all comes down to TWO games.

The Bruins turned into little baby toothless bears, and managed to give up three chances to close out the series. They now sit where only a handful of teams have sat before: tied, after blowing a three-game lead with Game 7 as the determinant. The Flyers have all the motivation of the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and most of Boston has shifted their hopes and dreams back to The Green.

Nobody doubted the Celtics-Cavs match-up wouldn’t be a good series, but not many predicted two wins in Cleveland coming, and a lead heading into game six at home. The Celtics now have the power to close out the second round tonight, and unlike the Red Sox or Bruins, they look to have the advantage in this one.

But crazier things have happened.

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