Lightning vs Penguins: Series preview and prediction

Lightning vs. Penguins: Series preview and prediction

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Erik Condra #22 of the Tampa Bay Lightning shoots the puck against goalie Jeff Zatkoff #37 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the Amalie Arena on February 5, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction

This is such a close series. The series will likely be determined by how quickly Tampa Bay can get Stralman back. While Bishop has been able to mask the flaws of Tampa Bay’s defense without Stralman so far against the Red Wings and the Islanders, that will prove to be an extremely difficult task to perform against the high-octane Penguins. Hedman and Bishop can only do so much.

Tampa Bay’s forward depth is capable of keeping them in the series. If they can outperform the Penguins’ forwards across the lineup, Tampa could easily win this series. It should be an interesting showdown between two teams that roll out four lines capable of scoring. Take notes rest of the NHL, this is how you go deep in the postseason.

Pittsburgh’s defense will be getting a very tough test against the Lightning. They weren’t perfect against the Capitals and had to rely on Murray to save them at times. The Lightning forwards are even faster than the Capitals’ forwards so the Penguins defense must be better if they want to make things a little easier for Murray, who has only played in 13 regular-season games during his career.

PREDICTION: Penguins in seven games. This could easily be shifted towards the Lightning if they can get Stralman back. With his health in question, who knows when he’ll be back? As long as Stralman is out, the Penguins have the ever-so-slight advantage in this series.

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