One of the 2 infamous game 7's is over, with the underdogs coming out on top. The Tampa Bay Lightning are going to the Stanley Cup final after a 2-0 game 7 victory over the Presidents Trophy-winning New York Rangers. Instead of doing a full game by game recap, I'll do a little more opinion-related pieces instead of just game-by-game coverage in series recaps from now on. Sorry this is late, but school, exams, you understand :/.
So the Lightning, who've only been to the final in '04 when they beat the Calgary Flames, are going back to the crowned land in 2015. It's well deserved as well, as these Lightning were consistent, they adapted to shut down the Rangers offense, and showed they're not just a team of in-experienced kids, but a team strong enough to win the Eastern Conference. One thing that continued to amaze me this series was 'the triplets' Kucherov, Palat & Johnson. Johnson lead all players with 4G and 9P in the series, this guy is unbelievable. Palat had the goal to seal the deal with a snipe coming off the wing in game 7, and Kucherov has been a relentless goal scorer all playoffs. Alex Killorn, who opened the scoring in game 7 is another one of those guys who is having a great postseason.
The big story line heading into game 7 was Henrik Lundqvist, and his outstanding resume. He has been great all postseason, but the Bolts potent offense was too much even for 'The King' which is just downright scary. Stamkos had a handful of goals, we saw some outstanding shot-blocking from Brian Boyle & Ryan Callahan, some great defending from Hedman & co, the Bolts are a real dangerous team, and I've really began to notice in these playoffs.
One player I'm sure you've noticed this series that in my opinion is one of the most underrated players in the game, Anton Stralman. The guy is a former Maple Leaf (shit!) that had blossomed into a two-way force at D, with a great outlet pass and the ability to play a shut-down defensive game. He's been a cornerstone on the Lightning blue line and has had a great postseason.
The Rangers won a tight 2-1 game 1, followed by a 6-2 thumping by the Bolts in game 2. Game 3 was a 6-5 gongshow win for Tampa in OT, while game 4 was a 5-1 stomping by NY. Bolts won the tight game 5 by a 2-0 margin, but the Rangers responded while on the brink with a commanding 7-3 win. This series was heading to game 7! Ben Bishop recorded his second game 7 SO of the postseason, and with the help of Palat & Killorn the Lightning came out on top. The Rangers had a total of 21 goals scored this series, while the Bolts had 21 also. It was a very tight series overall, and I really think it could've gone either way.
So it is the Tampa Bay Lightning who will go on, past NY to the Stanley Cup final. Stamkos elected not to touch the Prince of Wales, as expected. So how do the Lightning fare against the heavy west? We can only wait and see.
Cheers,
~THE UWNHL TEAM
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