Around the NHL: Part V – Nice Try, Sabres (or, Playoffs?!)

[will1066]

They played the Devils, so no.

I mixed up with washington

 

[Leonardo87]

I dunno. THis is the 3rd post-season in a row where the question is "do the Lightning have the mental fortitude/aptitude to deal with on going adversity and pressure?" and we still haven't really seen them ever answer in the affirmative.
They clearly have all the talent, but they've never really looked capable when the other team keeps pushing back, and they don't seem to have addressed this at all throughout the season. They'll win games (and possibly a few series) based on talent, but I just cant see them coming out of the East, let alone winning the Cup.

They seem to be the personification of the saying "a champion team will beat a team of champions"...

I mean the series is not over, but you can’t go down 0-2 like that. It gives a lot of teams around the league more hope and will just make each round harder and harder. Tampa has struggled against western team for the regular season, you take away their speed game, and they are cooked.

 

[trilobyte]

Actually wouldn't be surprised to see Columbus get crushed in the next game after Tampa has some time to practice and adjust. They may have choked these first two games away but that doesn't change the fact that they're an insanely talented and deep team. Once they get rolling they'll be very hard to stop.

The way it goes, that would kind of be what I think might happen.
If the Lightning win Game 3, they might just get a big charge from it and be a match for the Bluejackets.

 

[Greg02]

Remember that thread asking if the Lightning would be the first playoff team to go 16-0?

 

[Rangers ftw]

Kucherov should be suspended for that.

Yes, but since it’s Kucherov he won’t?

 

[Maximus]

Friggen Islanders....Pens defense sux so bad...argggg

 

[trilobyte]

The Islanders are relentless in their effort.

 

[will1066]

Ric flair turnbuckle flip would've been great too

 

[mike14]

I mean the series is not over, but you can’t go down 0-2 like that. It gives a lot of teams around the league more hope and will just make each round harder and harder. Tampa has struggled against western team for the regular season, you take away their speed game, and they are cooked.

I could easily seeing them come back to win this series, but in general I just don't think they have the players with the mindset to overcome adversity and lift the cup.
I don't know where the disconnect is (coaches or players) but as they are constructed and have been for a few seasons now, they don't look like getting it done regardless of regular season success

 

[Paulie Walnutz]

Pens look old and slow.

 

[RangerLifer]

The Islanders are relentless in their effort.

My hatred for them is relentless.

 

[NoQuitInNewMexico]

Just realized I don't like anyone on that Tampa team that we didn't trade to them

 

[NYRKING30]

Eww Islanders. Is this real life?

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

1-0 Stl!

 

[Levitate]

I dunno. THis is the 3rd post-season in a row where the question is "do the Lightning have the mental fortitude/aptitude to deal with on going adversity and pressure?" and we still haven't really seen them ever answer in the affirmative.
They clearly have all the talent, but they've never really looked capable when the other team keeps pushing back, and they don't seem to have addressed this at all throughout the season. They'll win games (and possibly a few series) based on talent, but I just cant see them coming out of the East, let alone winning the Cup.

They seem to be the personification of the saying "a champion team will beat a team of champions"...

Honestly I kind of think Cooper isn't a good playoff coach. Maybe it's dumb to think that, but they sure as shit just don't look prepared at all for this series. Sometimes he seems to be trying to be "too smart" like running 7 D and constantly mixing up his lines because of it, thinking it'll give him an advantage

 

[RangerLifer]

Just realized I don't like anyone on that Tampa team that we didn't trade to them

I can't help liking Hedman.

 

[Maximus]

It's probably because it's a really old barn but the acoustics at the Coliseum are phenomenal. I don't recall ever hearing an arena this loud. Even MSG at it's loudest, doesn't sound as loud as this.

 

[bl02]

can we redo the draft and draft Robert Thomas. Really good looking player. Go Blues

 

[bl02]

Oscar Sundquist...Remember him? the Guy who was pretty much destroyed by Tom Wilson in the preseason.

 

[Bob Richards]

How many times has Tampa lost back to backs this year lol

Not a great spot

 

[Harbour Dog]

That Eberle goal was a beauty. It's easy to forget just how silky his mitts are.

 

[mike14]

Honestly I kind of think Cooper isn't a good playoff coach. Maybe it's dumb to think that, but they sure as **** just don't look prepared at all for this series. Sometimes he seems to be trying to be "too smart" like running 7 D and constantly mixing up his lines because of it, thinking it'll give him an advantage

I'm not a huge fan of the 'sports psychologist', but someone from outside the organization needs to get into that locker-room and figure out where the issues are because they seem to be systemic and enduring with that group

 

[will1066]

Eww Islanders. Is this real life?

Blues up on the Jets

 

[Kakko]

Around the NHL: Part V – lol Tampa, Go Tampa!