Tampa Bay Lightning set for first Play-off game in four years against Pittsburgh Penguins - NHL
The Tampa Bay Lightning are certainly excited about their first National Hockey League play-off berth in four years and a solid chance at winning the cup since 2004 when they gained victory over the Calgary Flames in game seven of the finals. The Lightning
will have to show some charisma as they face the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Wednesday at the CONSOL Energy Centre.
Pittsburgh might have a tough time clinging on to the play-offs, which they once took as their right to be in. Both teams have met four times this past season and the series remains level 2-2.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Newly appointed General Manager, Steve Yzerman and rookie coach Guy Boucher have proved to be irreplaceable assets in their first season. The previous management had not been able to get the team into the play-offs since 2007 and this time around they made
their presence felt by securing the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with 103 points.
Tampa Bay has a number of players like Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos who are extremely talented and a great post-season combination.
"We're in a good place right now," said centre Vincent Lecavalier, who was part of the 2004 Stanley Cup winning team. "This year, we really felt that it was different. It was a different approach. Just a different culture they were building here."
The Lightning will have that player advantage over the Penguins who are missing a number of key members. Other than defensemen Randy Jones being out due to an ankle injury, the Lightning’s roster is fit and ready to go.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh might be without their key players Captain Sidney Crosby who has been out due to concussion related problems since January and centre superstar Evgeni Malkin who recently has undergone knee surgery, but they still ended the season on a high note.
Winning the last 12 of 16 contests and remaining firm in the fourth spot, they still have players who know how to handle play-off pressure. Mike Rupp has taken charge, trying to fill the game created by Crosby and Malkin, as he has been scoring back-to-back
in previous matchups. It was rumoured that Crosby might be playing because of his appearances in team practices, but Coach Dan Bylsma said there is no change in his status and he will not be playing on Wednesday.
Forward attacker James Neal is expected to rejoin his team in the first round, while Nick Johnson’s status is still unclear on when he might be able to return.
"It's a completely different feel than the past few years," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said about playing without his main attackers.
With all the disadvantages the Penguins are facing, the only one real part of the first round that has made them happy is having secured that home-ice advantage. The first two face-offs are scheduled to be in their home town which can give them that motivation
their looking for.
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