Sports Redux: 18-Wheeler Fever Grips Hub

The weatherpeople are making that face. That face of unrestrainable glee, trying to contort itself into a look of worried sincerity. The face that means a storm is on the way. Luckily, a small part of all of our hearts headed down I-95 yesterday, as the Red Sox equipment truck left Fenway for the warm environs of Fort Myers.

"Truck Day" is becoming one of those quaint little Boston traditions. It's our Groundhog Day and a minor religious holiday all in one. We watch the truck depart, knowing that when it comes back, it will be April and we'll be back in sunshine and/or a pennant race. Truck Day is ridicuolous and life-affirming all at once. And for some people, it's as close as they'll get to Fenway all year.

Meanwhile, a healthy and eager Jon Lester has arrived in Florida, along with Daisuke Matsuzaka and his cast of thousands, and Jonathan Papelbon.

Unfortunately, while they're sunning it up, and the truck is rumbling down through the Carolinas, we're left up here to contemplate our winter teams. The Bruins will at least bring some semblance of honor and dignity to the Garden tonight; they host Edmonton, and will honor "Chief" John Bucyk, who's celebrating 50 years in black and gold.

The Celtics...well, they didn't lose last night, and they probably won't lose tonight. They've become a national punchline. At least, if what they say is true and adversity builds character, the kids will be the strongest people on earth.

The Beanpot Finals were yesterday, and the new boss is the same as the old boss. BU beat BC 2-1 in overtime for their 11th title in 13 years. BU's Brian McGuirk scored the winning goal, his first of the year, proving timing is everything.

Flickr photo from your humble correspondent, who took in the majesty of Truck Day.