MONTREAL - With tensions already running high between the hometown Canadiens and their arch rival Boston Bruins, city officials say theyre staying vigilant to ensure the passion doesnt morph into mayhem on Montreal streets. The city has garnered a reputation during recent NHL playoff runs for its jubilant, spontaneous celebrations that occasionally deteriorate into rampages highlighted by vandalism, looting and violence. In the only Canadian city hosting playoff hockey this year and with the teams biggest rivals in town, authorities say theyre ready for anything with the series tied 1-1 heading back to Montreal. Anie Samson, a member of the citys executive committee, said the administration is prepared ahead of Tuesdays Game 3 at the Bell Centre. "We are concerned about (potential problems), but we are working with the police and we have a plan," said the city councillor in charge of public security. "We are ready and we hope its going to work." The city is expected to decide whether it will limit traffic on Ste-Catherine Street on game nights. The downtown core is always ground zero for both the celebration and the carnage. Montreals history of Stanley Cup riots is well documented, with the Canadiens most recent Stanley Cup triumphs in 1986 and 1993 marred by hooliganism. Whats more alarming is that in recent years, an early-round victory has been enough to set off rioting. The worst came in April 2008 after the Canadiens seventh-game playoff win against the Bruins. It culminated with police cars being burned and downtown businesses being looted. At least 16 people were arrested and damages to police property was evaluated at $500,000. The looting played out again in May 2010, with windows smashed amid clashes between rioters and police on Ste-Catherine Street following a defeat of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. There were more than 25 arrests and police were able to track down other vandals and looters using images and videos that were widely circulated on social media. Some citizens even sent police their own images, angry at the acts of mischief. Montreal police Sgt. Laurent Gingras said he could not go into specific tactics on dealing with potential trouble. "The message were sending is that its OK for you to celebrate, but were here and well keep an eye out," Gingras said in an interview. Those smashed windows and images of looting are still fresh for some downtown business owners. An association that represents them says there is always some trepidation. "Theres a certain level of worry because weve felt the negative effects during the playoffs," said Andre Poulin, who heads Destination Centre Ville. "But at the same time, were confident the police will deploy necessary resources to protect our businesses." Police are a lot better versed in dealing with massive crowds this time around. Student protests that were a near-nightly occurrence in 2012 allowed many officers to get hands-on experience as well as for the brain trust to put tactical theory into practice. "Weve improved the way certain (tactical) groups work (because of 2012) and the officers have all gained a tremendous amount of experience on the ground," said Gingras. Gingras notes there is better communication — both with the public through Twitter and with businesses through a variety of tools to ensure everyone is prepared. There is also increased efficiency in moving around town, with bicycle units and horse cavalry having been added since 2008. The plan is evolving, game-by-game, Gingras said. "Were keeping a close eye, we know when the games are on and we change the plan accordingly," said Gingras. "That will obviously change if the team goes deeper into the playoffs." Police were on the ready after the Canadiens engineered a four-game first round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning. No one was arrested, although one person was cited for excessive use of a car horn. But the Bruins series brings a different level of intensity. It was in Montreal in March 2011 when a hit to Max Pacioretty by Bruins captain Zdeno Chara led to the citys 911 service being inundated with criminal complaints. The Canadiens hockey club will keep its focus on the ice. Team spokesman Donald Beauchamp said the Habs will leave it to the city to follow the situation. During previous incidents, police have said it wasnt Habs fans involved, rather people using the cover of tens of thousands of revellers to cause damage. "Its not where the problem arises from, its not people inside the Bell Centre," Beauchamp said from Boston. "Its more of a public situation and in this case, the authorities have taken the matter into their own hands, and very properly." And at least one Habs legend believes cooler heads will prevail. Guy Lafleur said he doesnt necessarily think the ingredients are there this time around. But he briefly joked with reporters there might be one thing that could trigger an outpouring: a second straight Canadiens sweep. "Maybe if the Canadiens win in four," Lafleur said with a laugh, adding quickly he still didnt foresee any problems. Follow @sidhartha_b on Twitter. Philadelphia 76ers Gear . LOUIS -- The St. Cheap 76ers Jerseys . In this weeks Leaf Report podcast, James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel debate whether Toronto can continue their shootout dominance and discuss what Dave Nonis game plan should be heading into the trade deadline. https://www.cheap76ers.com/ .J. -- While Martin Brodeur wasnt willing to say he stole one for the New Jersey Devils against the Columbus Blue Jackets, almost everyone else was. Fake 76ers Jerseys . The 36-year-old Colts receiver is going back to the playoffs as a division champion. 76ers Jerseys 2020 . - The Baltimore Ravens have hired Steve Spagnuolo to be their secondary coach and assistant head coach.San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Chris Kreider tallied a goal and an assist as the New York Rangers capped a successful California road trip with a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. Martin St. Louis and Rick Nash also lit the lamp, Derek Stepan supplied two assists and Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves for the Rangers, who started the trip out with a 4-1 win over Anaheim on Wednesday and topped the Kings 4-3 in a Stanley Cup rematch on Thursday. New York has won five straight games and 13 of its last 14 games. Melker Karlsson supplied San Joses lone marker to extend his goal streak to five games and Antti Niemi allowed two goals on 31 shots in defeat. The Rangers opened the scoring at 10:40 of the first period. Kreider swatted the puck to St. Louis off a faceoff at the left circle and St. Louis beat Niemi with a quick snap shot. Kreider got on the board less than five minutes later as he tapped home the rebound of Dan Girardis shot from the right circle for a 2-0 lead. Neither team lit the lamp in the middle stanza as the Rangers outshot the Sharks 11-9 in the frame. Less than five minutes into the third, Niemi extended his arm to deny Mats Zucarello at the goal line.dddddddddddd The play was reviewed to determine if the puck crossed the line, but after a prolonged look at the play, it was ruled that there was inconclusive evidence to overturn the call. Lundqvist fought off James Sheppards shot with a shoulder stop, but Karlsson was there to deposit the rebound for a power-play goal, making it a 2-1 game with 12:46 to play. The Sharks pulled Niemi with over a minute to play, and Nash stick handled through a maze of San Jose players for the game-sealing goal. Game Notes Nash tied Dallas Tyler Seguin for the league-lead in goals with 26 ... Lundqvist improved to 11-1-0 over his last 12 games between the pipes ... Rangers defenseman Dan Boyle played against the Sharks for the first time he signed with New York during the offseason. Boyle spent his previous six seasons with the Sharks ... Prior to the game, the Sharks activated forward Joe Thornton from injured reserve and placed defenseman Mirco Mueller on IR. ' ' '