FOX Sports Exclusive
Bruins-Lightning East final preview
Share This Story
With the Stanley Cup playoff field down to four, here's the breakdown of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning.
How they got here: The Bruins avenged their series defeat last spring to Philadelphia, sweeping the Flyers in their rematch. The Lightning swept the regular-season Conference-leading Washington Capitals in the biggest series upset thus far in this year's playoffs.
Strengths: Both teams have superb goaltending, with the Lightning's Dwayne Roloson and the Bruins' Tim Thomas currently sitting at Nos. 1-2 in playoff goalie stats. The two teams also have plenty of offensive punch, but the Lightning may have a slight edge, as they're also getting contributions from checkers such as Sean Bergenheim and Dominic Moore. However, the Bruins might have more of an edge in the physical department, plus they can count on Norris Trophy nominee Zdeno Chara to anchor their defense.
The Lightning have a distinct advantage in special teams, with the second-best penalty kill and third-best power play, but the Bruins have been much better in the faceoff circle this spring. Four Lightning defensemen — Eric Brewer, Mathias Ohlund, Brett Clark and Victor Hedman — are the leaders this postseason in blocked shots.
Weaknesses: The Bruins' offensive attack may have suffered a serious blow when leading scorer Patrice Bergeron was sidelined by a “mild” concussion in the final game against the Flyers, which could force him to miss at least the first two games of this series. Their special teams have also suffered, entering this series with the worst power play and second-worst penalty killing among all conference finalists. Puck-moving defenseman Tomas Kaberle — only 3 points in 11 games — has been a major disappointment.
The Lightning lack a blueline stud of the caliber of Boston's Chara and don't have much goalie depth to call upon if Roloson should struggle or get hurt. Despite their shot-blocking prowess the Lightning have still allowed a lot of shots, which could become a factor if this series grinds on.
Players to watch: A lot of attention has been focused on the Lightning's best forwards, such as Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, but it's been their grinders who are making names for themselves as clutch scorers. Steve Downie is tied for second with Lecavalier in team scoring with 12 points, while Bergenheim and Moore have formed a lethal offensive 1-2 punch. Bruins rookie Brad Marchand is second on the team in points, while Nathan Horton has steadily improved as the postseason has gone on. Milan Lucic, the Bruins' regular-season scoring leader, appears to have regained his scoring touch after struggling early in the playoffs.
Who will win: Both clubs advanced to the conference finals by beating teams which were strong either defensively or offensively, but this is the first time they'll face teams with more balance in their respective games. Don't expect this one to be over quickly, as they appear very evenly matched. But the Lightning's advantage in special teams, combined with the leadership of St. Louis and Lecavalier, who were part of the championship team in 2004, could give them the edge over the Bruins. Lightning in seven.
More Stories From Spector
Trending Now
-
Manager: Boxer Williams paralyzed
Paul Williams paralyzed in crash but aims to return to ring, trainer says. -
Bonds faces future, can't forget past
Barry Bonds is publicly referring to himself as a convicted felon these days, and he'... -
Two killed as rally car strikes crowd
A race car went out of control on a rural Irish road and crashed into a crowd of abou... -
Mickelson in group out to buy Padres
Phil Mickelson has joined a group of investors who want to buy his hometown Major Lea... -
Roddick doesn't deserve all this blame
We can't hold Roddick to unfair standard any longer.
NHL Videos
Stanley Cup Preview: X Factors
Posted: May 29, 2012
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy channels Simon Cowell to pick his Stanley Cup Final X F...
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy channels Simon Cowell to pick his Stanley Cup Final X F...
Stanley Cup Preview: Key Matchups
Posted: May 28, 2012
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy breaks down the key matchups between the Kings and the ...
FOX Sports' Larry Murphy breaks down the key matchups between the Kings and the ...
Stanley Cup Preview: Coaches & Strategy
Posted: May 28, 2012
Who will be drinking out of the Stanley Cup? FOX Sports' Larry Murphy makes his ...
Who will be drinking out of the Stanley Cup? FOX Sports' Larry Murphy makes his ...
NHL Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok Pittsburgh Penguins #87 Sidney Crosby Black Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Pittsburgh_Penguins/browse/featuredproduct/175178/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_175000/FF_175178_xl.jpg&w=100 | 159.95 | Reebok Pittsburgh Penguins #87 Sidney Crosby Black Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Reebok Dallas Stars White Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dallas_Stars/browse/featuredproduct/243363/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_243000/FF_243363_xl.jpg&w=100 | 124.95 | Reebok Dallas Stars White Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Reebok Tampa Bay Lightning Primary Logo T-Shirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Tampa_Bay_Lightning/browse/featuredproduct/301017/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_301000/ff_301017_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Reebok Tampa Bay Lightning Primary Logo T-Shirt - Royal Blue |
| Majestic Anaheim Ducks Black Official Logo Full Zip Hoody Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Anaheim_Ducks/browse/featuredproduct/398322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_398000/FF_398322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic Anaheim Ducks Black Official Logo Full Zip Hoody Sweatshirt |
| Detroit Red Wings Youth Black Southpaw Backpack | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Red_Wings/browse/featuredproduct/403205/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_403000/FF_403205_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Detroit Red Wings Youth Black Southpaw Backpack |
| Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #88 Patrick Kane Red Premier Hockey Jersey | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Blackhawks/browse/featuredproduct/408123/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_408000/FF_408123_xl.jpg&w=100 | 159.95 | Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #88 Patrick Kane Red Premier Hockey Jersey |
| Majestic New Jersey Devils Red Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoody Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_Jersey_Devils/browse/featuredproduct/456774/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_456000/ff_456774_xl.jpg&w=100 | 54.95 | Majestic New Jersey Devils Red Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoody Sweatshirt |
| Vancouver Canucks 2011 NHL Western Conference Champions Hockey Stick | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Vancouver_Canucks/browse/featuredproduct/665779/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_665000/ff_665779_xl.jpg&w=100 | 11.95 | Vancouver Canucks 2011 NHL Western Conference Champions Hockey Stick |
| Reebok San Jose Sharks In-Stick-Tive T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_San_Jose_Sharks/browse/featuredproduct/700543/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_700000/ff_700543_xl.jpg&w=100 | 17.95 | Reebok San Jose Sharks In-Stick-Tive T-Shirt - Black |
| Majestic New York Islanders Royal Blue Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Islanders/browse/featuredproduct/752594/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_752000/ff_752594_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | Majestic New York Islanders Royal Blue Felt Tek Patch Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.