There is literally nothing like playoff hockey. It doesn’t matter if you came in as an eighth seed or a first seed, winning four games against the same team is a challenge. This Tampa Bay/Pittsburgh match-up has proven to be an energetic series at the very least.
Here’s my attempt to break down the powerhouses:
Attitude:
Many people are quick to discredit any chance Pittsburgh has at winning the cup because of the absence of their two big stars. Sidney Crosby has been back on skates for about a month as he recovers from a concussion that sidelined him in January, while Evgeni Malkin is out until next season after ACL reconstructive surgery.
However, if there’s one thing the Penguins know, it’s consistency. They’ve been winning games all season, despite Malkin and Crosbys’ absences. Without their go-to scorers, the Pens' playing style has evolved to one of a strong defensive nature.
The Lightning, under rookie coach Guy Boucher, are in the playoffs for the first time in four years. While having Malkin and Crosby out of the lineup is certainly to their advantage, expecting any less from the Penguins would be detrimental. Unfortunately, the Lightning’s absence in the playoffs may allow such a factor to affect them.
Winner: Penguins
Coaches:
Both these teams are led by coaches who have received a great amount of success in their few years of experience. Dan Bylsma coached the Penguins to a Stanley Cup victory in 2009, just months after being promoted from the AHL. This season, he has had to deal with injuries to many key players and still led the Pens to a second place finish in the Atlantic Division, with 106 points.
Guy Boucher was made the youngest head coach in the NHL this past year. He has yet to prove himself in the big leagues, but guided Tampa Bay to a great season, albeit with a few rough patches along the way. His innovative coaching style has instilled a new sense of fervor in his squad.
(He also looks like the villain in a James Bond movie)Then again, it is hard to pick against the guy with the Stanley Cup ring.
(Gen. Bylsma was responsible for a victory in the Revolutionary War)Winner: Penguins
Goalies:
Marc-Andre Fleury has been breaking NHL records and kick-saving his way through numerous shutouts since the Pens acquired him. He has proven to be a brick wall when his team needs him most. He has a lot of experience in the postseason, making it to the Stanley Cup finals two years in a row. He is 38-24 in the postseason and finished the regular season with a .918 save percentage.
It’s his off days, however, the team needs to worry about; Tampa Bay has what it takes to get the puck in the back of the net, as there 5-1 win shows. But there's a fat chance that’ll happen in another three games.
Dwayne Roloson is between the pipes at the other end of the rink. The 41-year-old hockey veteran was acquired from the New York Islanders in January of this season, finishing 18-12-4 with a .912 save percentage. He won eight of his first 11 games and didn’t let in more than two goals in the Lightning’s last five games. His experience is favorable, but the Penguins inability to score is more damaging than Roloson’s ability to goaltend.
Winner: Penguins
Offense:
With their two big weapons out for now, the Penguins have received a ton of points from defensemen Kris Letang (50). Both Chris Kunitz and Tyler Kennedy scored over 20 goals this season, while Jordan Staal put up 30 points in the 42 games he played in post-injury.
Tampa Bay’s rescuer has come in the form of Marty St. Louis, who had 99 points this season, second in the league. Captain
Vinny Lecavalier has been looking like a younger version of himself, finishing the regular season with 54 points. He finished strong, scoring nine goals and assisting eight in the last 14 games of the season. Returning from an injury, Ryan Malone is facing a team he not only helped lead to the Stanley Cup Championship game against the Red Wings in 2008, but had to watch win the cup without him in 2009.
(Malone is a Pittsburgh native...this can't end well)Winner: Lightning
Defense:
Since losing their big guns, the Penguins have tightened up their game, starting with their defense. They ended regular season allowing the seventh-fewest goals in the NHL. The defense is made up of young, small and agile players, with only two being above the age of 30 (Brooks Orpik and Paul Martin). They get things done.
It’s not always pretty and it’s not always smooth, but since March, they have allowed two goals or less in 12 of 18 games.
(Brooks Orpik has won every single staring contest he's entered)Tampa Bay acquired Eric Brewer mid-season from the St. Louis Blues, and he has quickly proven to be one of their top defenders. Pavel Kubina and Victor Hedman are proving to be valuable shutdown players. Mattias Ohlund may not be the player he once was on the ice, but he is certainly a physical presence blocking the net.
The only defensemen making a scene on the offense is Brett Clark, who finished the regular season with nine goals and 31 points.
Winner: Penguins
–Oritt Blum
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