Todd Cordell
I think the Eastern Conference Finals will feature the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Atlantic bracket and...the Carolina Hurricanes from the Metro.
I know the Lightning have disappointed in the playoffs numerous times but they have all-stars at every position and are extremely deep. It’s only a matter of time before they break through. They have too much talent not to.
Carolina’s goaltending situation does concern me a bit, however, they made it to the Final Four last season with Petr Mrazek starting behind what I believe to be a worse roster. Ryan Dzingel and Erik Haula add more scoring depth up front, young stars like Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho should continue to improve, and I think Jake Gardiner is a perfect fit for the way the Hurricanes play.
Ultimately, I’d expect the Lightning to take care of business in this potential series (in six games) and advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
Peter Tessier The East will be the usual dog fight between old foes in the beginning but when it comes down the final it will finally be Tampa beating Boston and returning to the Stanley Cup final.
The Bolts will get their heads right after last year and eventually something bad will happen to the Bruins in the post season keeping them from defying odds and making another run. Yes this is all based on the WAG process and total gut feel but hey, we're 9 months away- who knows what will happen.
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