Sam Hitchcock: Ranking Best Playoff Matchups for Bolts

The Bolts match up well against almost everyone in the East. Of course, the same was said last season and look how that turned out.

This year is an oddball and predictions are hard to make. It's been a long layoff and the players will be jumping into an immediate playoff pace without adequate warmup. On top of that hovers the uncertainty of Covid and quarantine for long stretches of time in hotels. It's going to be an odd playoffs following a shortened season.

Whoever wins, there will always be an asterisk next to it.

(*tumbleweeds*)

(*tumbleweeds*)
- GalacticStone

I agree but what else is there to really talk about until July 10th when phase 3 begins.

Dude picks the leafs. Lol

Andersen couldn't out tend Vasilevkiy for a whole series. Lol. He almost did it to Rask for a whole series who is a far superior tender than AV. He has just as many questions as anyone. Fact is he ran out of gas last year against Columbus because the Bolts play terrible team defense as well.

Leafs are a far superior defensive team under Keefe than Babcock and absolutely lethal on Offense. This is with both Tavares and Marner having a down year. They also played most of the year without Muzzin and Reilly their top two dmen.

I hope the Leafs face Tampa because I would love to see Tampa get ironed again.

Dude picks the leafs. Lol

Andersen couldn't out tend Vasilevkiy for a whole series. Lol. He almost did it to Rask for a whole series who is a far superior tender than AV. He has just as many questions as anyone. Fact is he ran out of gas last year against Columbus because the Bolts play terrible team defense as well.

Leafs are a far superior defensive team under Keefe than Babcock and absolutely lethal on Offense. This is with both Tavares and Marner having a down year. They also played most of the year without Muzzin and Reilly their top two dmen.

I hope the Leafs face Tampa because I would love to see Tampa get ironed again.
- legendguy

I wouldn't argue that Rask is "far superior" to Vasi. Rask's resume is a lot more impressive at this point in their respective careers, but Rask has also been around a lot longer to build up his trophy case. As far as ceiling goes, I would put them about even while giving Vasi a slight edge in agility.

After this long break, I wouldn't worry about Vasi running out of gas again. He's going to be well rested. Hopefully not tooooo well rested though.

You are right though, the Leafs are a better team under Keefe and they are downright dangerous. I'd much rather get my ass kicked by the Leafs than the friggin Blue Jackets. But, after last year's historic meltdown, I wouldn't expect it to happen again this year. There is a big chip on the Lightning's collective shoulder right now and they are ready to impose their will on any team that won't bring out the sandpaper. I expect the Lightning will bring the playoff-level intensity and physicality this time around.

I agree but what else is there to really talk about until July 10th when phase 3 begins.
- stammerman

Aint that the truth.

I wouldn't argue that Rask is "far superior" to Vasi. Rask's resume is a lot more impressive at this point in their respective careers, but Rask has also been around a lot longer to build up his trophy case. As far as ceiling goes, I would put them about even while giving Vasi a slight edge in agility.

After this long break, I wouldn't worry about Vasi running out of gas again. He's going to be well rested. Hopefully not tooooo well rested though.

You are right though, the Leafs are a better team under Keefe and they are downright dangerous. I'd much rather get my ass kicked by the Leafs than the friggin Blue Jackets. But, after last year's historic meltdown, I wouldn't expect it to happen again this year. There is a big chip on the Lightning's collective shoulder right now and they are ready to impose their will on any team that won't bring out the sandpaper. I expect the Lightning will bring the playoff-level intensity and physicality this time around.
- GalacticStone

Rask is a big game clutch goalie. Look at how many game 7s he has won. I rank him far superior to the inexperienced AV. Not saying he can't get there he has the talent. Just he isn't there yet. Andersen could also get there though as well. I think it's a wash.

If Tampa plays run and gun hockey with the leafs they are done. Imo. If they play physical, tight defensive game then it swings in their favor. I don't think the leafs are easy to shutdown to get 4 wins though. I just don't see how they are the easiest matchup. Pittsburgh is so over rated. Sure they have Sid and Malkin but after that their defense is Swiss cheese and goaltending suspect.