Obviously it’s Tampa’s sweep to lose at this point, and everyone knows that it should be pretty much an automatic W for them. They stated post game that they won’t be changing anything (why would they?) and neither will the Panthers (although they should have been doing that ever since game 1 of the Caps series).
After it’s all said and done, and we are embarrassed with an 0-4 showing, the Bolts will make all sorts of complimentary statements about the Panthers, maybe even slide in “growing pains they know about first hand”. And Bruno will come out with conciliatory statements about all the talent but “running out of gas” and “just not syncing up”. The players will likewise say stuff about “disappointment” and “frustration” and “need to analyze”.
Most notably, nobody will say anything about being really f***ing upset about the no-show. Nobody will say how this was their big chance and they didn’t want it. Except maybe Zito will. That’s my main focus. If Zito is pissed as hell, then it’s a good sign. Otherwise it’s business as usual in Panther land — the desire to do what it takes isn’t really there, it’s just talk and more talk.