Conference Finals

Silverdude2167

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Oct 9, 2006
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Amstredam
I feel like I have seen the Bolts get their doors blown off in game one somewhere before to subsequently win in 5.

I hope that is not what happens here.
 

biff_hardbody

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Apr 27, 2016
317
They didn't come back to win in 5. but they lost game 1 in Toronto 5-0 about a month ago.
I might be wrong but I think he was referring to the 2nd round series in 2018 when the Bruins won 6-2 in game 1 then lost 4 in a row. This series is infamous for Marchand's lick in game 4.
 

durandal1707

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Apr 18, 2007
6,131
Yea, we've seen Cooper quickly get the Lightning back in gear after an embarrassing first game a few times now, so I wouldn't count them out at the moment. The "rust" factor was also probably in play last night.

Expected goals were 4.42 to 3.08 in favor of Tampa in all situations. Obviously a lot of that advantage came in "garbage time" play when the Rangers sat back after their great 2nd period effort and the early goal to start the 3rd. But I'd expect the Bolts to clean up a lot of their defensive lapses going forward. (Although I think they've been weak in that area all year - the Bruins were able to dissect them pretty well in the regular season.) But they have the shooters who can beat Shesterkin if given the same rate of high-danger chances - 20 total for Tampa last night.

In fairness to the Rags, they've been bucking the expected goals model for the entire season with high shooting percentage and great goaltending. Montreal made it to the Cup final last year playing a similar game, and New York is certainly a much better squad than the Habs were.
 

johnmd20

mad dog
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Dec 30, 2003
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When was the last time the Lightning lost two consecutive playoff games? I think it's been like 3 years and they have won 16 straight after a playoff loss, which is a truly incredible stat.

So the Rangers probably should not rest on their laurels right now. But I'll give the team credit, they are getting the puck into the net, which is something you couldn't stay about the mid 10s teams when they were making some solid playoff runs.
 

durandal1707

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Apr 18, 2007
6,131
Was looking like the West series found its defense... and then the Avs score twice in 15 seconds.
 

Zososoxfan

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Jul 30, 2009
9,209
South of North
I still feel very confident about TB's chances against the Rangers. Vasi had a nightmare, but I think the biggest issue was that TB wasn't shutting down shooters fast enough. Credit to NY for getting to their spots and hitting shots, but I think TB will be much better prepared to handle NY's approach tonight. The Bolts' forwards work hard on D and it's just a matter of realigning responsibilities. Igor is a beast though, and if he steals it tonight, TB will have to take both at home.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
72,567
Kadri kind of deserves that based on own history but whatever

both these guys insulting the 91sweater
 

LogansDad

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Nov 15, 2006
29,152
Alamogordo
How often do defensemen compete for the Hart? I only ask because Cale Makar might win one someday. What an absolutely incredible talent.