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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. Air Max 720 Clearance . The Broncos quarterback earned the offensive award Wednesday after passing for 374 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-21 win over the Raiders Monday night. Manning completed 32-of-37 passes and had a passer rating of 135. 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Tony Parker had 33 points and nine assists and San Antonio never trailed in a resounding 116-92 victory over Portland, bullying the younger Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.RENTON, Wash. -- For the first time since the middle of November, the Seattle Seahawks saw No. 11 on the practice field Thursday. Whether Percy Harvin gets back on the field for Seattle in time for its divisional playoff game on Jan. 11 will be closely watched over the next week. But at least one important teammate thinks Harvins time to return has come. "Hes ready to go I think. But well see. Youve got to listen to the trainers and coach (Pete) Carroll and see how hes feeling," Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson said after Thursdays practice. "That just adds another element to our game. If we can add Percy Harvin hes explosive as can be. He has a great knack for the game. Hes very physical, loves to just to make big-time plays. If we can get him out there that will be great if thats the case." Harvin was not available to speak about his return and the team was not required to submit an injury report since they have a bye this week as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. But just seeing Harvin on the field is a stunning turn from a week ago when it was hinted that he could be headed for injured reserve and shelved until the 2014 season. Instead, the Seahawks could be getting a dynamic playmaker back in time for the post-season. "We want him at 100 per cent. Whenever hes ready to go, we want to make sure that Percy Harvin is ready to go," Wilson said. "If he is, man that is something else. He can make a lot of plays for us, do a lot of special things like the rest of the guys." Harvin missed the first 2 1/2 months of the season following hip surgery in early August. He returned in Week 11 against Minnesota and caught one pass and had a 558-yard kickoff return.dddddddddddd Harvin was then sidelined again by what Carroll called "soreness" following his debut. One of the important moments in the decision to get Harvin back on the practice field was a 15-minute throwing session he had with Wilson on Monday morning. Carroll noted on Monday that Harvin had run well, but did not mention the time spent catching passes with Wilson. "Didnt throw too much, just kind of caught the ball, threw with him, played a little pitch-and-catch. He did a great job," Wilson said. There is no guarantee that Harvin will play even with him practicing. The only week hes practiced extensively the entire season was leading into the game against Minnesota when Harvin faced his former team. He was in for 19 offensive snaps and two on special teams, but was unable to get back on the field following Seattles bye in Week 12. Carroll was cautious on Monday about whether Harvin would be able to get back enough to contribute and emphasized that even if he did it would not change how the Seahawks do things offensively. But it could change how the Seahawks are defended with his presence on the field drawing additional attention and possibly opening up opportunities for other receivers such as Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin. Seattles pass game has struggled the final month of the regular season with Wilson throwing for more than 200 yards once in the final four games. "If he can help his team, then thats great and weve never ever said that this changes anything for us," Carroll said on Monday. "Hes one of the terrific, young players on the team and were hoping that he can do his part and fit in." ' ' '