And then there were four....
Let's get right to it.
On Tampa vs. Pittsburgh
This really is the classic matchup we want.
Tampa has shown a confident dominance in getting here so far, and yes people will argue they played two young inexperienced teams in Detroit and the Islanders, but remember they did so without their best forward and their second best defenseman. Anton Stralman will be back and Stamkos may be back before all is said and done...It wouldn't surprise anyone. But what is fascinating about the Lightning is they have shown that confidence as a playoff team we previously reserved for Chicago and LA. The Lightning played a very so-so regular season, but when the playoffs hit they seemed to be right back where they left off and that experience, combined with Ben Bishop's outstanding goaltending makes them a HUGE threat to win this series.
As for Pittsburgh...who can argue that they are the hottest team in hockey and have been that way for a few months now. Taking out Washington the way they did was no small accomplishment. Their "third" line may be better than any other team's second line who is left playing. Their depth is very real and their coach doesn't allow them to point the finger of responsibility anywhere but at themselves. The influx of youth and speed has mattered, but the influx of players who were not a part of any of the recent playoff disappointments has renewed the veteran players with a confident cockiness not seen since they raised the Cup.
How this plays out will be fun to watch and it will be fast to watch. All four teams left playing are as fast as any final four we have ever had. Stralman will need to get up to speed quickly though because there is only one Hedman. The Lightning like to be an attack team, and attacking Pittsburgh is not advisable. The Penguins feed off of mistakes and counter rushes. You have to sit back and make them play grind it out hockey. And even then it's hard to feel confident doing so.
My pick for this series... Pittsburgh in 6
Your pick?
We will discuss all of this and more, including last night's game 7 on the Podcast at 1pm
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) April 26, 2016