Let's go LIGHTNING!!

[matt]

The thing with the NHL is that as long as you get to the playoffs, you have a chance to win the Cup. This is the reason I've not allowed myself to get too excited about the Red Wings this year. Running into a hot goalie in the playoffs has been their demise waaaaaaaay too many times. Now granted, we have TWO cup winning goalies on our roster this season...as long as Dom and Ozzie both get healthy...Detroit will be a contender to come out of the West. While I don't consider myself a Lightning fan, I always hope that they come out of the East...and like I said...once you make the playoffs...anything can happen.

[joedav01]

Nashville looks scary good in the West right now.  Especially if Forsberg can stay healthy for them.

That looks like the trade that sends them over the top, I think they could've went to the Cup if not for Vokoun's illness.

[matt]

Nashville looks scary good in the West right now. Especially if Forsberg can stay healthy for them.

Nashville doesn't worry me. I don't think their goaltending will hold up in the playoffs. I'm more concerned about facing Vancouver and having Roberto Luongo get on a hot streak. I see Nashville getting bounced no later than the second round.

[joedav01]

We are very familiar with Luongo and are glad he is out of our division.

I can't tell you how many games he stole from us the past few years.  I remember a game on Valentine's Day at the Forum when the Lightning outshot the Panthers 52-18 and lsot 2-1.  Luongo is a beast.  Dumb trade by the Panthers, but I can't complain from our standpoint.  lol

[matt]

I really wish Detroit would have went more strongly after Luongo when he was available. I would have been willing to give up Pavel Datsyuk since he's been pretty damn worthless in the playoffs. Like you said...he's one of those goalies who you can get 50-60 shots on goal and still lose 2-1 or 1-0. We've seen that too many times with the Wings...Giguere, Kiprusoff, Roloson, etc.

[scope88]

They have never gien Tampa, in any sport, fair treatment.

[scope88]

That is why we are under the radar with all our sports, well except Baseball... Thats just a whole nother story.

Hockey is a different beast than any other sport, you're talking about kids who live / eat / breathe hockey following a player from around their area who plays for his country, their first team.

[BUCFAN4LIFE]

I have been around alot longer than 3 weeks-- Joined here when the old board was still going

[ToddyBuc]

Big game tonight in 45 minutes..
Southesat standings
1. Tampa 71 points   61 games
2, Atlanta 71 points   62 games..


Good luck Bolts!!!!!!!


Vinny get's 2 goals tonight..

I hope so Toddy, let's hope the M-V-P line steps up huge and puts a squash on Hossa-  Iyla - Kozlov, though whenever you're playing a goalie like Kari it's going to be rough to score any.

[ToddyBuc]

Actually there goalie scare know one  ..imo   It's there front line forwards you mentioned that are more of a threat..

Really? Now I don't think Kari is Ryan Miller level good, but he's pretty good IMO, the good news is we seem to have Atlanta's number.

[ToddyBuc]

4-4                                      15 minutes left in the 3rd period..

Great game!!!