Sam Hitchcock: The Lightning's Blueprint to Beat the Bruins

I'm finally the first. Took awhile. Anyway, not all doom and gloom Bolt fans. You get the next best prize in the first round. The Leafs. What else could you ask for.

Said it ten times, will say it again, if the Bolts bring this game to the playoffs, they will go home in the first round.

But, it's better to not play the Bruins in the first round, even if it means losing the division - to be honest. Let another team soften them up or upset them. The Bruins have had the Lightning's number since 2011.

Anything can happen, so let's just get this regular season over without any further injuries. Rest Vasi and let Domingue start the majority of the remaining games. Let Hedman, Stamkos, and Kucherov get some rest. Staple Sustr to the bench as 8th d-man at best. Put Koekkoek in. Bump Girardi down to the 3rd pair.

Let's get the playoffs started right.

Please, put Giarardi 5-6, he doesn't have the wheels for top 4.
Playing with a lead would be nice, sheesh, give up 2 at the last minute of a period...kiss of death. Giving up one at that time is bad enough.

Interesting analysis.

Being able to use multiple offensive strategies depending on the defensive style used by an opponent is definitely a strength that could come in handy during a best of 7 round of the playoffs. Your suggestion of an offense that enters the zone by carrying the puck, rather than a dump and chase makes sense for facing the Bruins, assuming they keep the same strategy for the playoffs (which is obviously very likely).