I’m the opposite. Watching last night only reinforced the prospect that when TB gets going nobody can beat them. TB can win 5-4 like they did against the Leafs, or 2-1 like they did against the Leafs. They can score when they need to, and adjust their game and just play defense.
I guess every situation is different. I expected the Rangers to do that to Tampa Bay, actually. Partly due to my complete bias that Florida is a fraud. They set Tampa back a little. Whereas, I don't think it will be a big deal for Colorado. Plus Point hasn't even returned yet. He is a difference maker. If Tampa turns it on (which it looked like they did last night) then they could definitely be a problem for the Avalanche.
This series is the hockey reincarnation of Knicks Bulls in ‘93. Go up 2-0 on the two-time defending champs, then let game 5 stay close and lose it at the end. Strome’s whiff was the hockey equivalent of “go up strong, Charles Smith!”
All year I’ve told my son the Lightning wouldn’t win three in a row. All year he has said Tampa is going to win. I have TB in 6. He says TB in 4.
The Rangers leave Tampa Bay. https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.13c4532503b1a8099cc8f41e2475097c?rik=3t+O6GCCpxq1Cw&pid=ImgRaw&r=0
This is a great match-up for the NHL. The Back To Back Stanley Cup Champs vs the Best Team in the NHL. Colorado is too good. Tampa Bay has been resilient, and that really is impressive, but they don't look the same as they did last year or in the bubble. The heart of a champion is tough to beat though. They are beyond battle tested too. The Avalanche? Not so much. So it makes my Cup pick tougher. I have said the Avalanche all along, and will stick with it, but Tampa is getting right at the right time too. Definitely a toss up. I will say Avalanche in 7. I want to say 5, but Tampa was impressive against the Rangers.
Pretty good Game 1. I liked Tampa's response to settle in and tie it 3-3. Former Cap Andre Burakovsky with the Game winner in OT was cool to see. Can't wait for Game 2!
So far in his career, Igor Shesterkin has the lowest number of goals allowed in expected goal situations, 20 less than Demko and Vasilevskiy. His playoff performance also puts him much better than every other goalie. I do however think, Igor and Vasilevskiy are 1a/1b when it comes to goaltending. Those two are the best then there’s everyone else. It’s okay to admit it, even though you’re a Fishtick fan.
I think you have to give it to Vasilevskiy as the best in game ( although he didn't look good in game 1 vs the Avs) as he has been one of the main reasons why the Lightning have won 11 straight playoff series and back to back Cups. I do think Shesterkin is very good although I am very happy the Isles have Sorokin as he is right there with him IMHO. The one thing I will say about the Rangers is they need to fix their defense. Fox is elite but they rely on Shesterkin to bail them out to much. I don't know if its lack of overall talent or the system they play with the forwards not doing a good enough job in the D zone to help out the D. If they get stronger on defense then I think they will have an excellent chance to Cup within the next few seasons as their window to win is wide open. I hate saying that being an Isles fan.
The Avs were the better team but could only muster an OT win, and were lucky for that (I thought Hedman was going to win it short handed on that breakaway in the final seconds). I'm not convinced the Avs can play better against the Lightning, but I think the Lightning can play better against the Avs. if that's the case, this is still the Lightning's series to lose.
Vasilevskiy is fantastic. I don’t think the “Igor’s Better” chants are that outlandish though. Like I said, they’re 1a/1b.
I don't see a team losing 7-0, then winning 4 of the next 5, but Tampa Bay needs to step up tonight to make it a series. Otherwise, this will be quick.
For the first time in 11 playoff series TB is not the better team here. Its seems as though the Avs have figured out Vasilevskiy. If he can't bring his "A" game then this will be a sweep. It's not all his fault though as the Avs have been all over the Lightning. My guess is TB gets a game at home but that's it. I see the Avs winning in 5 at this point.
