Post-Game Talk: 2019 NHL Playoffs Round 1: (1) Tampa Bay swept 0-4 by (WC2) Columbus

[LightningStrikes]

2018-19 NHL PLAYOFFS
ROUND 1



TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
(62-16-4, 128 Points, +103)

Nikita KUCHEROV 82-41-87-128
Steven STAMKOS 82-45-53-98
Braydon POINT 79-41-51-92

VS.



COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
(47-31-4, 98 Points, +26)

Artemi PANARIN 79-28-59-87
Cam ATKINSON 80-41-28-69
Pierre-Luc DUBOIS 82-27-34-61​

Click to read more...

 

[Hint1k]

"Heading into play-off" = game winning rate in March and April
Tampa = 76%
Columbus = 61%

Tampa vs Columbus:
1) special team stats:
PP = 28.2% (1st) vs 15.4% (28th)
PK = 85% (1st) vs 85% (1st)

2) 5-on-5 stats:
Goals for = 206 vs 187
Goals against = 157 vs 170
Goal differential = 49 vs 17

3) Faceoff win %
51.2 (8th) vs 50.2 (16th)

Vasilevsky vs Bobrovsky
Sv% = 0.925 vs 0.913
GAA = 2.40 vs 2.58

Hits:
Tampa = 2116 (6th)
Columbus = 1741 (22nd)

 

[Bolt 45]

It's official? Nice. I don't care who we play. When I happen upon a mushroom while golfing, and I pull out my driver, I never really worry too much about what kind of mushroom I'm getting ready to obliterate.

 

[DaBolts]

And here is their mascot being towed around Columbus yesterday....

 

[Hoek]

So it hasn't been mentioned yet but does everyone realize these guys were a goal post away from being up 3-0 on the Caps last year?

 

[StaySalty]

So it hasn't been mentioned yet but does everyone realize these guys were a goal post away from being up 3-0 on the Caps last year?

Yes, I do. Potentially a scary ass team. I'm surprised some of our guys aren't too humble on the main boards. Would be epic AF embarrassing if the jackets pulled this off with all that smack talk lol.

 

[Hoek]

Well Macho Man is always like that and I get it. It's a lot more fun that way.

 

[Shoresy Snipes]

Personally, I can't wait to hear every moment of every expletive-laced tirade that Torts is about to go on in the post-games starting next week.

Unfortunately, I hear he's toned it down lately. That's a damn shame. That made for great TV. When he gets fired up, he reminds me of the coach from Letterkenny (and almost every midget/junior coach everrrr)

 

[The Macho King]

Yes, I do. Potentially a scary ass team. I'm surprised some of our guys aren't too humble on the main boards. Would be epic AF embarrassing if the jackets pulled this off with all that smack talk lol.

Its going to be embarrassing if we lose period. Might as well have some fun with it.

 

[Steazy Doo]

Ppl actually thing we should be an humble to an lowly bloocloths? Like an connor mcgregor being humble to a little kitten " oh yes he has an chance"

 

[Bolt 45]

Its going to be embarrassing if we lose period. Might as well have some fun with it.

This. Besides, half the people on the main board flat out refuse to give us any credit at all. Taxes? Are you kidding me? SMH.

 

[DrMartinVanNostrand]

So it hasn't been mentioned yet but does everyone realize these guys were a goal post away from being up 3-0 on the Caps last year?

Yes, I do. Potentially a scary ass team. I'm surprised some of our guys aren't too humble on the main boards. Would be epic AF embarrassing if the jackets pulled this off with all that smack talk lol.

Hoek's comment smacks a bit of sarcasm, because I'm sure it's been mentioned on the main boards plenty, but that doesn't change the reality. Last year's Devils team was one of the worst playoff teams in recent memory; their awful season this year proves as much really. We could win this series in 5 again, maybe, but we're going to have a much tougher go of it in doing so. Columbus may not have great experiences from it, but they do have playoff experience that Carolina doesn't, and a goaltender who it's a bit of a matter whether he can finally get his head out of his ass this time of the year. Would also take their top-end players over Carolina's.

So I'll take my chances either way, but those who preferred the Jackets to the 'Canes, well, I respectfully but forcefully disagree. Carolina has a good roster but I wouldn't fear that matchup for one second.

 

[Hoek]

It's been mentioned on main boards, but not here. At least I didn't see it in the potential playoff matchup thread.

 

[BoltsFanPinellasPark]

Its going to be embarrassing if we lose period. Might as well have some fun with it.

Thank you. This the kind of season and expectations where high born and low born eat from the same trough. unless you are the Almighty. (Bolts, zeus, etc).

 

[Fabiobest]

I don't think that Columbus is the best opponent for us.
CBJ has talent in his roster, a goalie that, if hot, is very hard to beat and an head coach who knows how to win.
The first mistake to do (also for a legendary team like us) is to underestimate the Blue Jackets.

 

[Hint1k]

So it hasn't been mentioned yet but does everyone realize these guys were a goal post away from being up 3-0 on the Caps last year?

So you telling me that it was Columbus fault that Tampa played against Caps last year, instead of playing some other team in the Conference final?
Just more reasons to beat them

 

[God King Fudge]

Holy **** man I never realized the Blue Jackets had a prime Gretzky. I get some folks are shook about not wanting to lose, but JFC this whole pumping them up thing is ridiculous.

That team doesn't deserve humble fans. Style is just as important as skill in this league. The Caps are trouble for us because of their style. Columbus? No. This is over in 5.

 

[CBJ VGK]

Don't think you guys will need much luck, so here's to a competitive injury-free series.

We have no delusions about where this is headed. If it goes beyond 4 games, I will be satisfied, honestly.

CBJ's depth, size and speed will probably be a perfect tune-up for the Lightning's Cup run.

 

[Coopers Gum]

Thing is, everyone likes David. No one likes Goliath.

 

[Hint1k]

Thing is, everyone likes David. No one likes Goliath.

83% voted Bolts

I say the vocal minority (some Bruins and some Oilers fans) does not like Tampa. The majority of HF kinda like Bolts

 

[ganiseri]

Finally. In wanted Carolina because my Finnish connection. I expect this to be over in 5. Columbus has solid team, but we are miles better and should win this out of routine.

Boys. Playoff f***ing hockey is here!

 

[Coopers Gum]

83% voted Bolts

I say the vocal minority (some Bruins and some Oilers fans) does not like Tampa. The majority of HF kinda like Bolts

I'm saying Goliath was heavily favored as well. But everyone likes to root for the underdog.

 

[RegularSznAllStars]

Anyone know if they are doing a Curtis Hixon watch party after the concert on Wednesday?

 

[AlphaCatalyst]

Its going to be embarrassing if we lose even a period. Might as well have some fun with it.

Am I doing this right?

 

[Stammertime91]

I'm not sure I can function and bring the high level experience this year without Matthelangelo Watson.

I need you baby, come back to me.