I think a few of you are underestimating Tampa.
They have the better PP (1st vs 7th)
They have a better G/GP than us too (5th vs 11th)
And their PK is virtually on par with ours as well. (5th vs 6th, us)
The one area we have them beat is GA/GP, and by a massive margin too (1st vs 22nd)
However, all it takes is for Vasi to find his game, and that gap isn't so big anymore. That's probably what worries me the most. Vasi hasn't been up to his standard since last postseason, but he has an even more lengthy track record of elite play.
And then you combine that with our declining offense (specifically pp) the last month or two, and it's a recipe for getting upset.
And before anyone comes at me with "regular season stats don't matter come playoff time". Well, to a point. But it's worth mentioning Tampa has been playing meaningful hockey for the vast majority of the season having to fight for their PO spot. So I think their regular season stats are a good indicator of what to expect from them.
Meanwhile, for whatever reason we clearly haven't been as good for the past few months. So our overall regular season stats doesnt paint the whole picture of how we've been playing recently.
So yeah, this matchup has me pretty worried. I think it will be hard fought series, and very entertaining.
On an unrelated note. Been making a series of polls for every team's MVP, and finally did us, If yall wanna vote. Would love to hear your thoughts on your pick if you do. On that thread though, so we dont derail this one.
