East Semis: #1 Washington vs #5 Tampa Bay

[mikebflorida]

Originally Posted by BENNETTWOLF

Caps in three, tampa conceding

Caps in three? Ummm......

By the way everyone, it's Tampa Bay. I can see how everyone can get it mixed up since the national media can't even get it right but it's Tampa Bay Lightning.

[RetardedChimp]

Caps should beat Tampa. Hopefully there are a couple scraps too.

[BondraDaBomb]

I could definately see some fights happening in this one. Division rivals. Both on the fringe of being known as tough. I could see each team trying to fight in the early games to try to establish dominance in this series, and to maybe send a message to teams later on in the playoffs.

So far the polls are 60% Caps 40% Lightning. Close to 2/3 of people think the Caps win. If we then say that the Caps win 2/3 games, the Caps take two of the first three and two of the second three, and win it it six.

[Isles4life]

This has the potential to be another exciting series in the East, between a pair of division rivals. Tampa Bay has a lot of high-end talent to compete with the Caps' big guns, which could make this one interesting. But I think the Capitals will be determined to overcome playoff failures past and persevere to move on to the conference finals. Capitals in 6.

[mikebflorida]

I just went back and read over the comments about the Steve Downie-Ovechkin fight that never was because Matt Bradley skated from the bench to be 3rd man in to protect Ovechkin. What a shame that was! it would have been great to see Ovechkin fight someone, anyone, to back up his dirty play(checks from behind, knee on knee hits, etc, all well documented) but we got cheated.

Odds of that happening in this series? Zero. No chance.

Boucher has the player's gloves welded on as they leave the locker room.

it would be nice to see Downie bite Ovechkin's ear off though.

This could be a pretty intense series and the continuation of a good rivalry. They've met before, in 2003 with the Lightning being down 0-2 and winning the series but that was 8 years ago! Only 3 Bolts left from that series, Vinny, Kubi, and St Louis.

The Craps only finished 6 points or 3 wins better than the Lightning so these teams are closer in quality than people think and so far, home ice hasn't meant dick in most of the series. It will be closer than people think, the goalies should make the difference and we have the top 2 guys in the NHL going!

[BENNETTWOLF]

I wonder if it will interesting watching Downie and Erskine. Like a replay of avery and erskine. A lot of hitting and agitating between the two.

[Trognitz]

Originally Posted by BENNETTWOLF

I wonder if it will interesting watching Downie and Erskine. Like a replay of avery and erskine. A lot of hitting and agitating between the two.

a gross mismatch.

[Mike Tython]

Can Washington figure out a way to conquer the 1-3-1 trap? I think the coaching in this series definitely favors Tampa. Boucher knows what the hell is going on, and puts his big guns in good positions to score. I think their D is a little underrated, and they have a lethal PP. I won't be at all surprised to see Tampa knock out Washington.

[smashem]

If T-Bay gives up the 40 shots per-game that they did with the Pens, the Caps have way more snipers than the Pens had. That being said why is Tampa here, they are flying under the radar, But Caps in 5

[BENNETTWOLF]

Originally Posted by Trognitz

a gross mismatch.

Yes. Erskine is exceptionally disciplined as well. He just looks to hurt you, clear you away and draws more penalties than he takes. I'm hoping he'll find a reason to punch someone in the face repeatedly

[NJDevils17]

I had no idea these teams had that many fights against each other. Nice to see there is some hatred!

I think this series will be closer than you think. Both teams are obviously loaded offensively, but I do like Washington's defense a little more.

I'm picking Washington to win, but I wouldn't be surprised if this series goes the distance.

[PotvinSucks]

I wouldnt sell the Lightning short here. Lets be honest, only reason the Rangers lost the series against the Caps so quickly is because the Rangers couldnt score for sh*t with the exception of game 4, it was embarassing. When the finally scored some goals, they cant hold a lead and the series was over. Tampa with St. Louis and Stamkos are capable of putting of big numbers. What was it, 8 goals, in Pittsburgh no less? Neuvirth wasnt tested at all in the first round and faces a bigger challenge against the Lightning, a much faster team. Rolo has been hot and should continue his solid play in this series.

Think it will be a good series. TB in 6 or 7.

[Sukoshi84]

The Bolts continue to play strong, even with Gagne getting dumped hard and thumping his head on the ice.

[nyislesfan45]

Dear Tampa,

You're Welcome.

-Garth Snow


Man, Rolo was something else tonight, he made a couple of stops I didn't expect. Downie played a great game as well.

[theknuckler]

Originally Posted by Sukoshi84

The Bolts continue to play strong, even with Gagne getting dumped hard and thumping his head on the ice.

OMG did you see that? he totally slammed him on the ice. should have been a penalty! this is hockey not WWE. (someones comment on an article about his injury)

I am going to be pissed when/if the puzzys on TSN sportscentre blow this out of proportion and bitch and moan again. i hope they dont or i might lose it.