Businesses cashing in on Bruins Game 7

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Boston Bruins are back on the ice Wednesday night facing off against the Washington Capitals in Game 7 and sports fans and businesses were prepared.

The Bruins-Capitals game 6 was the most watched NHL playoff game in 15 years (excluding the Stanley Cup Championship). For business owners, that was a good sign.

“Everybody wins when the local teams are winning,” Said Gina Campiti, the General Manager at Samuel’s Sports Bar in Springfield.

The Boston Bruins are in Game 7 again and this is nothing new for the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

The Bruins played three Game 7’s last Spring. While this may be a roller coaster ride for fans, going down to the wire is great for local businesses. “It's make it or break it, and like I said, they're always excited over the teams playing and now that they're in the playoffs it gets louder every time it gets closer to another game, it gets louder in here with more people,” said Campiti.

Despite being in the Playoffs again this year, sales for Bruins gear has been strong all year and it's no surprise it's picking up even more.

“Winning the Stanley Cup made a big difference.  The whole atmosphere changed after the Stanley Cup, we had people waiting for the shirts to come, waiting for the hats to come in so it's always a big boost for business,” said David Trehey the owner of Sportstuff in Springfield.

Even non-hockey fans get caught up in the playoff commotion.

“Yeah, I'll support them, I'll support them 100% why not, we are in Massachusetts.  I may take a sneak peak at it and see who's up, see who's down just to see what's going on,” said Devon Harris of Springfield.