Time to get off to a good start. I for one am looking forward to great hockey without all the headhunting and cheap shots from the last series. 2 very good skating and I believe the number 1 and 3 goal scoring teams in hockey this season. Time to solve the ranger bishop mystery today. Marty if he has anything left we'll see this series. Nash also should do more offensively. This is a series unlike the prior one where glass was needed and played well actually that glass is not needed and we could use a better skater in his stead. I know at this point with the AV love affair thats not happening but should be a completely different series. Actual uninhibited skating, a lot less clutching and grabbing and more fun to watch offensive hockey with goals actually being scored. Can't wait for the opening drop of the puck.
Good points Mel, this will be a much different series. I'm expecting a track meet and Henrik to out-duel playoff rookie Bishop. Unfortunately Glass is a guarantee at least until Zucc is back, and even then AV will probably continue to play his apparent best friend. Let's rock boys
When I look at Tampas D I think the Rangers could burn them with their speed. Hedman-Stralman Garrison-Coburn Carle- Sustr Garrison, Coburn, Sustr are slow as shit. The Rangers speed should give them problems. As good as Stralman is I never saw him as a first pair dman.. Same with Hedman, very good and talented but also a big player with not alot of speed. Carle was bad defensively when he played for philly I said finishing was the key to last series. This series it will be (that and) speed
Garrison can really fire the puck and we know Hedman is very good up and down the ice. Stralman is what he is, solid and Coburn/Carle are seasoned vets. They're every bit as good as our corps. A major key will be the ability(or inability)to cover people around the net. We have big problems with that at times.
You think TB's D is every bit as good as our D...my god you are funny 71. Hedman is legit. Stralman is very good, not sure if he is a 1st pair guy but very good, the rest are all average or a little above average IMO. Saying their D is every bit as good as ours is funny stuff 71, and yet again shows your feelings on Girardi and Staal. All good though.
It doesn't matter what people think and what's being predicted. It's about to get underway and we will find out.
Drop the puck and let's go. We all expect more O and open ice, we'll see if it plays out that way. Never know.
Tampa d is not as good as the rangers. They are a little bit more offensive minded and mobile. Thats it.
I am curious why the hawks vs ducks series has not started yet. Both teams had shorter series. Weird schedule.
I have to agree with Chuck on this one. 71, it's a 1pm start and your drunk already if you think the Lightning is just as good as us on D Pass the Bottle Please!!!!
Tampa got here with offense, not defense. OYes is much better but I wouldn't be surprised if it's another 2-1 battle... Coburn is slow and a -6