ECQF: (1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (WC2) New Jersey Devils | Tampa Leads Series 3-1

[Zippy316]

Miller - Stamkos - Kucherov
Palat - Point - Johnson
Killorn - Cirelli - Gourde
Kunitz - Paquette - Callahan

Hedman - Girardi
McDonagh - Stralman
Coburn - Sergachev

Vasilevskiy

OR

Miller - Stamkos - Kuch
Killorn - Point - Gourde
Palat - Johnson - Conacher
Kunitz - Cirelli - Callahan

I like the center depth in this lineup ... but Coop will go with the first lineup posted most likely.

Should be interesting how these match-ups play out:

Stamkos' line will likely see a heavy dose of Coleman - Zajac - Noesen.

Point's line will likely be matched up against Hall - Hischier - Palmieri

Then that leaves the TBL third line against Wood - Zacha - Maroon.

I'd assume in Tampa, Lightning will try to get Stamkos' line out against Zacha's line as much as possible.

Goaltending and special teams might decide games here or there, but the series is likely decided by how well Point neutralizes Hall's line and Zajac neutralizes Stamkos.

 

[PackShark]

Nice seeing New Jersey make strides this year. There's definitely upset potential here, but I see Tampa taking it in 6.

 

[glenwo2]

Trap series...

Devils no longer use the Trap.

 

[glenwo2]

Our penalty kill needs to be the difference

Or....you know....Don't commit penalties in the first place.

 

[Lindys Lazy Eye]

Consider the switch flipped.

Bolts in 3.

Devils in 1

 

[glenwo2]

Tampa in 5

This series is not ending in 5...either way, imo.

 

[Hint1k]

Devils no longer use the Trap.

That's the trap!

 

[LuGBuG]

Let’s go Jersey!

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Maybe I am out to lunch, but reading some posts that say Bolts in 3, or Bolts in 4. The Devils are just lucky to have made the playoffs. But as I saw in the 1st month of the season. I saw a very good Devils team that plays the game the right way. I can't wait to this series to see if my eyes were right.

 

[RedWingzz]

This series is not ending in 5...either way, imo.

Tampa in 4 then?

Sorry bud, you guys don't stand a chance.

 

[glenwo2]

I don't see how the Devils can keep up with TB at all, and if Kinkaid slips up at all it's going to be a clean sweep.

They certainly didn't have trouble keeping up with TB before.....unless we're going to start calling those 3 wins a fluke. I mean....those 3 wins had the Devils facing a Healthy Stamkos.

What's his status, I wonder?

With no Stamkos, that's one less weapon the Devils would need to worry about.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Rooting for the Devils but gonna go with Lightning in 6.

 

[Lindys Lazy Eye]

Tampa in 4 then?

Sorry bud, you guys don't stand a chance.

I remember when they said that about the Devils in 95, pal

You of all people as a Wings fan should know better

 

[Devils090]

Tampa in 4 then?

Sorry bud, you guys don't stand a chance.

Saved

 

[Cheddabombs]

Should be a fun series, let's go Devils!!

 

[RedWingzz]

I remember when they said that about the Devils in 95, pal

You of all people as a Wings fans should know better

Lol hilarious how you take offence to me picking Tampa in the series that you have to bring up something from 23 years ago, which is completely irrelevant to the topic. I've been fortunate to watch my team win a good amount of Cups, pal.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Bolts in five.

 

[glenwo2]

Tampa in 4 then?

Sorry bud, you guys don't stand a chance.

I don't get it.

What makes you believe the Devils do not stand a chance when they managed to win all 3 of their games against Tampa this season?

 

[glenwo2]

I remember when they said that about the Devils in 95, pal

You of all people as a Wings fan should know better

MJ....hitting him where it hurts.....below the belt.

 

[glenwo2]

Lol hilarious how you take offence to me picking Tampa in the series that you have to bring up something from 23 years ago, which is completely irrelevant to the topic. I've been fortunate to watch my team win a good amount of Cups, pal.

And we were fortunate to watch OUR team win Stanley Cups in our lifetimes, too, "PAL".

See? We can play this game if you want.

 

[Zippy316]

They certainly didn't have trouble keeping up with TB before.....unless we're going to start calling those 3 wins a fluke. I mean....those 3 wins had the Devils facing a Healthy Stamkos.

What's his status, I wonder?

With no Stamkos, that's one less weapon the Devils would need to worry about.

Almost every poster that commented something along those lines is just a bitter Panthers fan. I wouldn't bother.

 

[Riseonfire]

Keith pulls the next '2010 Halak'.

It's gonna be crazy, Devils in 7.

 

[Lindys Lazy Eye]

Lol hilarious how you take offence to me picking Tampa in the series that you have to bring up something from 23 years ago, which is completely irrelevant to the topic. I've been fortunate to watch my team win a good amount of Cups, pal.

Nah, it actually isn't irrelevant at all if you know the story behind the build up to the 95 cup

Now, I doubt the Lightning are actually gonna plan their parade route NOW but you are saying the Devils have no chance like the Detroit and national media did then.

And then the Devils routed the Wings

Hell, many people said the Kings had no shot in 2012 as a 8th seed if you want a more modern example.

"No shot" is a fairly arrogant term by *fans* who are ignorant of history

 

[RedWingzz]

I don't get it.

What makes you believe the Devils do not stand a chance when they managed to win all 3 of their games against Tampa this season?

Tampa has the superior roster in every facet of the game.

 

[God King Fudge]

If TB plays to their abilities, they take it in 5. If they try and mail it in, they'll be out real quick.