Record-tying Lightning formidable but not a cinch
The Lightning tied the NHL record with 62 wins this season. They are No. 1 in goal-differential (+103), goal scoring per game (3.89), power-play efficiency (28.2%) and penalty-killing efficiency (85%). They are seventh in goalsagainst average (2.7).
The Lightning have played like a Stanley Cup favorite the entire season. They possess a dangerous offense, led by Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos; a formidable defensive corps, led by Victor Hedman; and a dominant goalie in Andrei Vasilevskiy.
But the Lightning are not invincible. Let’s not forget that the 1995-96 Red Wings won 62 games in the regular season and didn’t win the Stanley Cup.
Here are teams we think have a reasonable shot at taking down the Lightning in a playoff series:
Capitals: Remember the swagger Washington showed last season? The Capitals understand how to win it all, while the Lightning are still figuring it out. The Capitals don’t have three 40goal scorers like the Lightning, but they boast a 51-goal scorer in Alex Ovechkin and seven 20-goal scorers. The teams have played three times since March 16: The Caps and Lightning each won one game in regulation, and the Lightning won the other 5-4 in overtime. This could be a wild series if they meet in the playoffs.
Bruins: Boston’s consistency is its chief strength. The Bruins are the league’s No. 3 defensive team (2.59 goals per game), and their power-play units are almost as dangerous as Tampa Bay’s group. Patrice Bergeron is a superstar two-way center and David Pastrnak
gives the Bruins a scorer with the potential to match Kucherov goal-for-goal. Then there’s Brad Marchand, who can be the X factor in any playoff series. His irritating presence can be disruptive to any opponent. Plus, he’s a gifted offensive player.
Predators: Some are discounting the Predators because their offense doesn’t seem strong enough to compete against the Lightning’s. But Nashville pulled it together at the end of the season, going 7-2-1 in its last 10 to win the Central Division. The Predators have the defense and goaltending to compete against any team. Nashville beat the Lightning twice this season, although it was in November. The key for the Predators will be their No. 2 line. They will need big playoff performances from Kyle Turris and Craig Smith.
Blues: Every season, there seems to be a team of destiny, and St. Louis could be that team this year. The Blues made an incredible charge to get into the playoffs, and they closed the regular season with an 8-1-1 record. Confidence is an important weapon in the postseason. The Blues have it. They also have a rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington (24-5-1, .927 save percentage) who is playing like he’s Patrick Roy, circa 1986.
Penguins: Don’t underestimate the Penguins just because they finished third in the Metropolitan Division. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang have won many important playoff games. Goalie Matt Murray has a better career playoff goals-against average and save percentage than Vasileskiy. General manager Jim Rutherford worked his magic to give this team a different look this season. The Penguins are not to be taken lightly.