re: Stanley Cup Playoff Thread!

The Sharks are a better team. I think the Blues are gassed as well. They look tired as frick. The first 10 mins of the first period is what the Blues looked like in the previous two series for the most part and the Sharks still led 1-0 after the first. The Blues just cant bring a subpar effort and hope. They need their very best and even with that I still think San Jose beats them this series.

If the Blues dont snap out of it this series will only go 5.

Are the Sharkies just better or is Captain Kangaroo in over his head?

The CBC intermission analysts brought up a good point. If this team doesn't start showing any life it's time to pull Elliot. Allen handles the puck better. Maybe help defense move puck out of zone quicker.

It's only two games to one now, you negative nelly homos.

Let me melt in peace.

I would pull Elliot. See if team shows anything.

It's only 2-1. Don't give up so easily.

(no message)

(no message)

Sharks have a likable team, no doubt. If the Lightning can't get it done, I'll probably jump on their bandwagon. Especially after finding out the Sharks have never won a "Cup" beforehand.

Boy, I'm landscaping at my Mom's property these past two summers while off from school. The point is, every time I stay at my Mom's house during this time the Lightning lose! They just don't lose either, they've looked terrible during these 5 playoff games the last two years. Last summer, I left when the Lightning where up 2-1 -vs- Chicago, and then the Lightning went 0-3 the rest of the way while at my Mom's. This season, the Lightning go up 1-0 -vs- Pens and now they've looked terrible these last two games while at my Mom's. If the Lighting make the playoffs next season, I'll have to start work at my Mom's during the earlier rounds, so I get my bad playoff-mojo off the Lightning's back. Now if they get swept during the 1st round next season. Sorry Mom, I love ya, but I won't be starting until Hockey season is over from now on....lol

Good news is I'm home this next week, but the bad new is I don't think the Lightning have much left in the tank. Some say you don't know what you've got until it's gone. Honestly, I didn't realize how much Bishop's puck handling protected our defensive players from being exposed. Without Bishop, our defenders are having to play the puck more often after dump-ins, and the Lightning are making terrible decisions which cause turnovers. Plus, Bishop's absence doesn't allow the Lightning to get down the ice quicker during fast-break pass opportunities. The Lightning have reverted back to what they looked like 2-3 years ago without Bishop's puck handling skills. While Bishop has been great for us these past two seasons, he's probably hurting our defensive players puck handling development at the same. It's to late for Lighting defenders to start finding themselves in the ECF's. A teams identity is built throughout time/year, not this late. Just look at the Pens, they've peaked while becoming a strong team by seasons end. Especially that 3rd line! That line reminds me of what the triplets did last season and if they stay healthy, their chances are good.

After witnessing what happens when Bishop loses his mobility or gets hurts during the playoffs. The Lightning better work on getting the puck out of the zone without Bishop's help this off-season. It a huge weakness because this team is lost without Bishop's taking up that slack. Vasilevskiy deserves major props though, he's handle the onslaught very well. He's a very promising young goaltender but he isn't the complete package Bishop is right now.

This Lightning team has already shown serious resiliency and they've surpassed what I thought they'd do these playoffs. Now well see if they can beat even bigger odds in a must win situation.

Go Lightning !!!!