Michael Stuart: Lightning Limping Into the Playoffs

Gonna be a hot series! I hope the ice holds up!

I think Tampa's championship pedigree will get them past Florida. But Carolina will eliminate them in round 2. Tampa seems to be banged up. The Hedman Injury would worry me the most. We'll see. That's why they play the games!

Don't worry, your two best players will be back soon.

If only there was some group of reserve players Tampa could tap into. Maybe some special stash of stars that don’t count against payroll but in no way constitutes cap circumvention. Something Gary Bettman would have no issue with unless the Devils did it...

I think Tampa's championship pedigree will get them past Florida. But Carolina will eliminate them in round 2. Tampa seems to be banged up. The Hedman Injury would worry me the most. We'll see. That's why they play the games!
- gergeswillems

I have to disagree, i think Florida will out grind TB. Should be quite a series to see Coach Q in playoff mode.

As a Bolts fan, I am genuinely concerned. Quenville is a great coach and he knows how to beat Tampa. Plus we just lost too much from last years' team that we haven't been able to replace. Shattenkirk and Bognosian played really well during the Cup playoff run. Schenn and Rutta are not at the same level. Even Vasy seems a bit off. The offense seems to have disappeared the last 1/4 of the season. Can they turn it on? Maybe. But I am not really all that confident they will.

Imagine a Southeast division with Carolina, Florida, Nashville, and Tampa Bay.

I have to disagree, i think Florida will out grind TB. Should be quite a series to see Coach Q in playoff mode.
- Tee56

Yes, the Tampa defense is not nearly as good as last year. Florida's fore check is better with Bennett, and others playing above their pay grade. If Bob is on, they will be hard to beat!

Imagine a Southeast division with Carolina, Florida, Nashville, and Tampa Bay.
- Shady1962

From southLeast to southBeast

From southLeast to southBeast
- Ratsreign

I guess you worked on that all day and think it’s a winner.proud of yourself? That’s why your a panthers fan.

Panthers haven’t been in a playoff series in years. They play a hard game but no experience. They’re still the red headed nephew looking to be recognized. Maybe they outplay them and get it but it’s doubtful.

I guess you worked on that all day and think it’s a winner.proud of yourself? That’s why your a panthers fan.
- tpd11

Oooh that really hurts...
I realize it might have taken you quite awhile to run through the entire alphabet to come up with a silly alternative, but it only took me a second or two. Why the need to act like a Richard? Does it make you feel better about yourself when you do? Lol, what a douche.

I guess you worked on that all day and think it’s a winner.proud of yourself? That’s why your a panthers fan.
- tpd11

The Great Jean Beliveau said always be a gracious loser but never love losing!

Let’s appreciate 2 well built teams. Health and hockey puck luck will decide the winner
Hoping for a great 7 game series. Hockey rocks!