Boston Bruins (3) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (5)

It’s weird to think that there isn’t really any surprise that the #3 seed is the top seed left in the East, but that’s exactly the case with the Boston Bruins. Even though they finished behind the Capitals and Flyers in the regular season, many predicted that they would be the last standing in a very weak East, and now the only team left that stands in their way are the Tampa Bay Lightning, so no problem right? Not so fast. The Lightning are on an incredible 7 game winning streak going into this series, and will be looking to ride any momentum they can, even though they will not have played in 9 days until they start Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. These are the few interesting factors that will play out in this series:

Special Teams
Tampa Bay has the best power play and the best penalty killing of the final four teams. Should that worry the Boston Bruins? Well the Bruins have the worst power play among the final four, while their penalty killing isn’t any better. Tampa will have the edge here, and it’ll be even better depending on how long Patrice Bergeron is out, which brings us to #2.

Patrice Bergeron
Bergeron suffered a concussion in the last game against the Flyers which is significant because he has a history of them, however he could be back as early as Game 3. Bergeron has been the Bruins best player and will hurt the Bruins in all aspects of their game, but most notably in the faceoff circle. If he doesn’t come back as early as expected, this series could turn Tampa’s way quickly.

The Geriatric Goaltenders
The two starting goaltenders in this series have a combined age of 78; Tim Thomas is 37, while Dwayne Roloson is 41. Both have had good post-seasons but neither has been completely dominating either. Thomas had the better regular season, but Roloson only really got going when he was traded to the Lightning midseason. Of all the intangibles and the X- Factors, this is right up there, because this may turn out to be a gritty low scoring series, and one of these goalies may have to steal some games. Give the edge to the slighter younger goalie in this one.

There’s a been a big trend in Road Teams winning in these playoffs, 27-36 is the record of the Home Teams this year, and look for that to continue in this series. Look for Road team victories early on, but then look for things to settle down to the basics and fundamentals in the latter part of the series where the Bruins who have home ice advantage. They should wind up victorious and in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1990.

Prediction: Boston Bruins in 7

Originally posted at betfair.net