Eastern Conf. Finals: Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Rangers

[theohall]

Cooper is funny:

And finally, this from Cooper, the former Hofstra graduate and lacrosse player: "I think, if you ask myself and A.V., I'm pretty sure we don't go into the locker room and say, 'OK, fellas, we're putting a touchdown on the board tonight, let's just try and win this 7-6.'

"I know there is a defense-first mentality that goes into both of these games. But when you have the skill and the speed that both these two teams have and a want to score goals, sometimes ... I think offense can be the defense sometimes. And both these teams are fast, and they're skilled, and they can play the game. Pucks are going to go in the net. Now that I say it, this game will probably end up being 1-0."

[glen a richter]

I didn't know Cooper was a Hofstra grad. That's right up the road from me, and also where my brother in law attended. Great school.

As far as Cooper quotes, he said the reason Drouin wasn't playing was because "there's two nets in a rink and you have to be able to play in front of both of them". Wise words the Lightning should heed going into game 5. As bad as the Rags looked in 2 and 3, the Lightning looked as bad or worse in 3 and 4.

I would probably trend towards sitting Bishop for game 5, he's looked real bad.

[Oaklandblue]

Rangers just called, wanted to let everyone know that unlike other teams, adversity inspires them to work harder, not give up.

[glen a richter]

The Rags may have overcome adversity for one game, but the Lightning are still winning this thing.

[Oaklandblue]

The Rags may have overcome adversity for one game, but the Lightning are still winning this thing.

I still believe the Rags will overcome the Lightning, but I have to admit that I did not expect the fight the Lightning have put up and brought to the table; I knew it'd be war but not THIS extreme, it's really inspiring. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that whichever team does make it to the Finals may knock off Chitown or Anaheim.

[theohall]

Question:

Can the Rags stay disciplined?

They were fortunate in Game 4 with the number of PP chances the Lightning had and even more fortunate they didn't get caught for a spearing major in the 3rd.

IMO, the Rags got lucky in that one with two supremely lucky goals off of odd deflections and the Lightning hitting the post multiple times when they've gotten goals in the prior two.

Lundqvist was beat, but the shots weren't good enough in game 4. The Rags can't count on the Lightning missing shots.

[Oaklandblue]

Question:

Can the Rags stay disciplined?

They were fortunate in Game 4 with the number of PP chances the Lightning had and even more fortunate they didn't get caught for a spearing major in the 3rd.

IMO, the Rags got lucky in that one with two supremely lucky goals off of odd deflections and the Lightning hitting the post multiple times when they've gotten goals in the prior two.

Lundqvist was beat, but the shots weren't good enough in game 4. The Rags can't count on the Lightning missing shots.

I've watched this series and I can say this much and people like Glen can most surely correct me if I misinterpreted what I saw:

1. The Lightning are making the Rangers play outside of their normal game plans. It's not that they're so undisciplined as it is that the Lightning quite simply have them out of their game and the one-trick pony advance they have been doing continues to cycle chances with absolutely no solution for the Rangers than to play disorganized. In reality, both teams have some of this going on to extents, but I have to give props to the Bolts for being able to throw the Rags off their game.

Saying that, the Rags have had LONG stints of undisciplined and atrocious play that has had me headdesking like mad, but again, I see those are because the Lightning keep them off-edge and keep the pressure up at 11 with their tactics, and that is something I did not expect the Lightning to be able to pull off to such an extreme effect.

2. Both sides have ridiculous offensive firepower. Tyler Johnson is a certified beast of a playoff warrior and has really been the go-to guy for the Bolts. On the same token, Jesper Fast is a damn maniac.

3. Both netminders have taken turns at suck. Henry and Ben have both had stints of garbage. Whichever netminder can get back in, and stay in form, in my mind, wins this series.

4. Quality chances have not equalled much in goals - the garbage goals have been what has made it and mattered.

Like I said earlier, whichever team makes it out of the two (hopefully the Rags), in my mind, will be a PITA for the Hawks/Ducks to shut down. This year we might get a real war of a Finals series, like we are seeing with these four teams now. And that for some odd reason makes me giddy as hell .

[glen a richter]

That's just swell, give up a (Franking) goal on the first shot you give up. Come on Lightning.

[glen a richter]

Jesus Christ that's just great. Let them take it to 7 and win on home ice. (Frank) you, Lightning.

[gaijin]

Jesus Christ that's just great. Let them take it to 7 and win on home ice. (Frank) you, Lightning.

Game's not over yet. Still a lot of hockey to be played.

[Oaklandblue]

The Lightning are going balls-to-the-wall here but the Rangers have adapted to their play and are so far playing a far better organized game. Statistically, when the going gets tough, the Rangers win, especially in Game 6 and 7's. Lightning got to throw them off if they want to get on the board.

And THERE we go. 2-1! Welcome to the game, Callahan.

[Oaklandblue]

4-1 Raaaannnnngggeeerrrssssssssssssssss! Welcome to the party Miller and Sheppard!!

Edit: 5-1. Brassard's hunting for the hat trick.

[Oaklandblue]

Lightning's hard work gets rewarded and the Rags take it back on the power play. 6-2.

[Oaklandblue]

HERE COMES THE LIGHTNING! 6-3!

[Oaklandblue]

Even though Bishop lost game six, you can't help but look at his playoff stats for this year:

11-7.... giving up 32 goals: .922 GAA.... 2.08.....

[STLADOGG]

God I hate the (Franking) Rags...

[WaukeeBlues]

Even though Bishop lost game six, you can't help but look at his playoff stats for this year:

11-7.... giving up 32 goals: .922 GAA.... 2.08.....

At first when the Lightning were doing so well I was kinda mad we let Bishop walk. Those stats make me feel a bit better.

Tampa is just stacked. Such a great team. Hope they win 7 because I think they deserve it. Not that the Rangers don't...

[glen a richter]

If that doesn't motivate Tampa to do better in game 7 I don't even know what to say. What a mess.

[Oaklandblue]

Even though Bishop lost game six, you can't help but look at his playoff stats for this year:

11-7.... giving up 32 goals: .922 GAA.... 2.08.....

At first when the Lightning were doing so well I was kinda mad we let Bishop walk. Those stats make me feel a bit better.

Tampa is just stacked. Such a great team. Hope they win 7 because I think they deserve it. Not that the Rangers don't...

I think they both do and I believe regardless who wins that the Cup is going east this year.

The thoughts going through my mind when I looked at Ben's stats was 'Some people were losing their minds about losing him for pretty much nothing that when we see his stats, they're good but about what we got right now'. Had to facepalm to that. It's a wash.

[glen a richter]

There is a God! G'bye Rangers, don't let the door hit ya!