The entire team did. Nobody was skating and no crispness in play at all. 9 days of rest after sweeping the Panthers really showed. I don’t expect it’ll be the same look Friday…
The roles looked reversed - Rangers looked the team that was well rested and Tampa looked like the team that played 14 games in 28 days (15 in 30 if you include game 1)
Goaltending rusty in Tampa. The guy was lights out against the panthers and all of a sudden he can’t play. Another game the entire team was flat in front of him too, although not quite as bad as game one. I don’t see NY as playing particularly well so much as Tampa is playing so poorly. The question is will they get their act together at home or is it time to get out the brooms…
Still shocked the Oilers couldn’t get anything going until game four, and even then they still couldn’t eek out a single win.
The Rangers have run out of gas. Nothing in game 4 at all. They may have blown it in Game 3. They had Tampa on the ropes and let them go.
When the Bolts' scoring machine gets rolling, look out. Rangers scraped by Pens with an exhausting comeback, went 7 tough games vs. Canes. Game fives usually tell the story, right Mike?
Assuming Vasilevskiy stays as dialed in as he was for Panthers and last four of Rangers, and assuming the defense and pk smother the transition, I think the lightning will get their third cup in as many years. Tampa in 6.
Sorry I'm late to this party Good point Keith, often times (but not always), game 5 is pivotal. The Rangers played 20 games in 39 nights. They put up a hell of a fight, but in the end it boils down to goaltending and missed opportunities. Both goalies played outstanding, but the Rangers should have won game 3 and game 5. Game 3 they were up 2-0, and if they hold on they put the choke hold on Tampa with a 3-0 series lead. Game 5, NYR had most of the better scoring chances, a few of them were slam-dunk goals but they simply couldn't bury the puck. Should be a good final, I am leaning towards Tampa only because they have the better goaltending, and I've always said that playoff hockey is about goaltending.
That’s putting it lightly. CO is playing very well and Tampa just isn’t. Game three in Florida will tell the tale.
Tampa has to win the next 2 or they are in serious trouble. The Rangers had them on the ropes in game 3 and let them go. Look what happened then.
Smart money was in Tampa tonight. There’s no way they lose at home and go down 3-0. I hope Tampa wins the end one too so we at least have 2 more games.
Tampa looked like their old selves tonight. Stayed on top of the transition. Participation in goals across lines. Controlled forecheck without giving up a lot of odd man rushes. Good special teams. Vasi tight in net. If this team shows up Wednesday we’ll be in for a real series and it’ll come down to who can steal a road win.
Cooper has a lot of nerve. He forgot how the Leafs got hosed in game 6 and 7 versus Tampa. Someone should remind him that the refs bailed his team out in round 1 so don’t bite the hand that feeds you in round 4
Dallas didn't learn from Vegas' mistake? They hire DeBoer? Funny how they hire these re-treads....obviously Dallas doesn't want to contend for a Stanley Cup.
