Erasing the doubts

There have been several challenges for this year's Bruins team, and by and large, they've aced them. There was no greater litmus test than the Canadiens, who had beaten the Bruins in all 12 regular season meetings last season and in a seven-game playoff series. But the B's responded with a resounding 6-1 win at the Garden last Thursday, convincing more than a few nonbelievers that this year's Bruins team is for real.