WASHINGTON VS TAMPA BAY:
The Lightning almost seem like a new team, under the leadership of general manager Steve Yzerman, and coach Guy Boucher. The acquisition of veteran goalkeeper Dwayne Roloson, owner of the best playoff save percentage so ( .949 ) in the postseason as of this moment, was a brilliant move by the former longtime captain of the dynastic Detroit Red Wings. It is not surprising that Yzerman would make wise moves in his first year on the job, considering that he was groomed for the job, by two of the smartest hockey men, in terms of Wings executive vice-president, Jim Devellano, and general manager, Ken Holland.
Bruce Boudreau realized that for his star studded team to become a Stanley Cup winner, they needed to improve at the defensive part of the game. They can score as well as any team in the NHL. The change in their style of play has been obvious to even the most casual of hockey fans. It was particularly noticeable in their first round match with the New York Rangers. Michal Neuvirth has the best goals-against-average ( 1.38 ) thus far in the playoffs.
This could be a tough seven game series. That’s exactly what I’m predicting. With the experienced and clutch goalkeeping of Simcoe, Ontario native, Roloson, the Lightning upset the Capitals in the overtime of game seven.