Eastern Conference Finals

Well; while we wait for the Western Conference Finals to be determined we have two strong surprising teams in the East waiting to jump back on the ice, for a chance to play for the Stanley Cup.

Boston Bruins: During the first round of the playoffs they looked down and out after two games. Then what happened... they get their captain Zdeno Chara back from injury, the Canadians made some TERRIBLE turnovers resulting in 3 goals and the Bruins found life again. Though the Canadians fought back this series went down to the wire and on game 7, the Bruins finally put their hated rival away in one impressive display.

The game that changed it all... Bruins at Canadians Game 3


2nd round they get a rematch with the Philadelphia Flyers, where 1 year ago the Bruins blew a 3-0 lead and lost to the Flyers in game 7. This time, they not only were looking for redemption or payback, the Bruins were looking to lay a beating the Flyers would never forget. From the opening puck drop the Bruins didn't give the Flyers any life or any hope. In 3 of the 4 games the Bruins scored at least 5 goals and left the Flyers scoring an average of 1.75 goals a game. They made the Flyers rotate the goalies every game and they won every battle on the ice. Clearly they had their say in the NHL.




Tampa Bay Lightning: Going into the playoffs Tampa went in hot. The first round had a date with the Crosby and Malkinless Pittsburgh Penguins. A series that many thought would be a easy pass for the Lightning, surprisingly became a fight for survival. I don't know when this may of happened but according to sources the GM Steve Yzerman had a talk with the team, somewhere around games 5 and 6. Whatever he told the team it helped, as the Lightning climbed back from a 3-1 hole to win in game 7.



Round 2 came and after one impressive display from the Washington Capitals, many including myself thought... hey this might finally be their time. Well though the series was very close and every game was decided by 1 goal, the Lightning showed they not only have the scoring depth and hard hitting defence but MVP caliber goaltending in Dwayne Roloson. Now they may have not of been as flashy as the Bruins in their sweep, but what the Lightning showed is that they can contain star players, they have well balanced scoring and they can set their own pace to a game.



The question is who do you chose to go to the Cup Finals? Here's my opinions how everything stacks up.

Home Ice: Bruins

Offense: Lightning
Both teams have some great scoring players and a lot of depth. However, I like the well balanced offense from the Lightning. They get a lot of production from lines 1-3 and their defense has really been stepping up point wise.

Defense: Bruins
After the physical punishment and beat down they gave to the Flyers why wouldn't you. Yes the Lightning have some good hitters to but I look at a Bruins team that's committed to taking out the body, block a ton of shots and are willing to fight tooth and nail for the rebounds.

Goaltending: Lightning
Really this series will be a goaltending duel. Both goalies are the same age with pretty much the same stats. Reason I'm choosing Roloson is because he's been here before and he's playing like the Roloson we saw in 2006 for the Oilers. He is really leading this team and is giving them a ton of confidence.

Special Teams: Lightning
Statistacly the Lighting have been very good and extremely consistent on the Power Play and the Penalty Kill. They are 26.7% on the PP and 94.4% on the PK. The Bruins on the other hand are easily one of the worst in this years playoffs. They are 5.4% on the PP and 80.5% on the PK. It's easily showed in rounds 1 and 2 and I expect the Lighting to stay on pace.

X Factor: Will the Bruins play with the same intensity they brought to the Flyers? Who will start clicking first after a long break? Both have had the same amount of time to rest.

My Verdict: I like the Lightning winning this series in 6 on their home ice. From what I've seen from both teams the Lightning have just been more consistent and I just like the well balanced scoring depth. I like the fact Roloson is playing like the goalie who got the young Oilers team to the Finals oh so long ago and I like the response the team gives him when he makes a huge save.

We are in for one really good series.