This series between Atlantic Division rivals should be must-watch television. The Lightning have gotten the better of the Bruins over the last few seasons and represent the biggest stumbling block for the B’s in the East.
The one question that’s always there about Tampa Bay, however, is their makeup. They are prone to self-destructing and Kucherov is the kind of player who routinely loses his poise in the big games. The Bruins are still very clearly the leader in terms of experience and poise, but they are also clearly not as good as the Lightning on paper when the two rosters are put side-by-side.
The B’s also know this may be their last kick at the can as the Stanley Cup window is closing on an aging group with no real clear idea of when next season will even get going. For Tampa this is also desperate times as there’s only so long they can keep this current team together due to the salary cap.
This should be an intense, physical series with two teams that have developed some healthy dislike for each other, and honestly should be in the Stanley Cup Final if they can win this series. That’s how big this one is within the Eastern Conference bracket.
Edge: Bruins