NHL playoffs 2018: Updated bracket after Lightning beat Bruins

By Jason Klaer | May 7, 2018

BOSTON, MA - MAY 4: Teammates swarm Dan Girardi #5 of the Tampa Bay Lightning after he scored the game winning goal during overtime of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 4, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Lightning defeat the Bruins 4-3. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay is heading to its third Eastern Conference Finals in four seasons. Led by Nikita Kucherov, the Bolts are striking down the competition.

Right off the bat, the Lightning’s 113 points is looking rather consistent as the field of playoff teams narrows to seven teams. Despite taking the early lead, Boston was not able to extend the series. Unlike Bruins winger Brad Marchand, Tampa Bay will get another “taste” at the conference finals.

Following a borderline blowout in Game 1, the Lighting bounced back. Tampa Bay notched at least three goals in the remaining contests. Paving the way, Kucherov has netted six goals and totaled 12 points. Six players have at least five assists. Defense and goalie play have been following suit as well.

Moreover, Andrei Vasilevskiy is boasting an 8-2 record through two rounds. Although he has no shutouts, he is helping the Bolts move forward. His .927 save percentage is seventh among playoff goalies. His 301 saves are a difference for Tampa Bay. All but one Lightning player (Cory Conacher) holds at least a zero in terms of plus-minus.

Here’s what the NHL bracket looks like after the Lightning beat the Bruins and, later in the day, the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the San Jose Sharks:

Looking ahead, two rather different storylines are presented depending on the result of the other Eastern Conference semi-final.

On one hand, a Washington Capitals squad vying for a conference finals berth is attempting to eliminate the pesky Pittsburgh Penguins. One-seeded Washington may have an advancing opportunity tonight in the Steel City. Otherwise, a Game 7 awaits the Nation’s Capital later this week.

However, a rematch resurfaces if the Pens will their way to victory. Back in 2016, the Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh fought to the end in a seven-game series. Revenge will be on the Lightning’s minds. Pittsburgh spoiled Tampa Bay’s aspirations of a second-straight Stanley Cup Final. The Penguins won the final two games of the series, including a nail-biter on the road at Amalie Arena.

All in all, the Lighting will host Game 1 of the conference finals. In a year where only contenders remain, Tampa Bay is trying to shine just a little brighter.

Next: The gnarliest playoff beards in the history of every NHL team

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