Why I believe the New York Rangers will win tonight’s game and eventually the series.
I base my reasoning, not on felling, but on a statement made by NHL player Agent Allan Walsh in an interview after game four.
Walsh who represents players on the Lightning was at game 4 and visited with players from Tampa Bay after the game. Allan Walsh stated that the players were “Let’s face it their tired”. He goes on to say how the Lightning core has played more hockey in the league than any other team. Walsh also tells a story about a dinner he had with Tampa defenseman Jan Rutta, days ago and how Jan “uh I see him sitting on the couch and he’s kind of fading”. The Rangers played at a very fast pace in game 5. At the end of the game, you could see by the frustration on the Tampa Bay players faces and their resulting actions even though they had won the game.
It appears that the Lightning team Is tired and they are angry. Angry at the Rangers “NO Quit” and even more angry at Igor Shesterkin.
If the Ranger skaters bring the same energy as in game 5 and Igor plays like Igor it is of my opinion that the Lightning will break and the Rangers will win 6 and close them out in 7.
In a way New York will be doing them a favor; Tampa is gassed and in no condition to take on the Colorado Avalanche. We should look at it as the Rangers saving the Lightning from embarrassment. There will be no dishonor for Tampa Bay to lose to the Rangers in 7.
