The first-round playoff matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning is by far the most intriguing matchup within the Eastern Conference. Both teams finished the regular season with just one single point separating the two in the standings, therefore making this series one for the ages. Both teams are evenly matched at virtually every position which will undoubtedly make this series the most exciting when it comes down to the NHL’s first-round playoff action.
As far as home-ice advantage goes for the Lightning, don’t expect that to effect the Canadiens in any way, shape or form. Fans of the Canadiens travel well and will most definitely make their presence felt down in Florida, especially if the series goes as long as seven games. It will be very important for the Lightning to get off to a great start at home in order to somewhat silence fans of the Habs when the series turns to Montreal. The Bell Centre provides a hostile atmosphere like no other, especially come playoff time. If the Lightning want to be effective on the road, they will first and foremost have to take care of business at home.
Three out of the four meetings between these two clubs in the regular season couldn’t be settled within regulation time. That’s how tight this playoff matchup really is. Even though the Lightning came out on top in three out of the four meetings, don’t think that that will discourage anyone on the Montreal roster. They know all too well that they hold a slight advantage over the Lightning at one particular position.
Carey Price loves playing against the Lightning, as the Olympic Hockey gold medalist in Sochi managed to only let in only 1.5 goals per game against the Lightning this season. Although his counterpart for the Lightning, Ben Bishop, has had a stellar season as well, his lack of experience in playoff situations will perhaps be the demise of a Lightning team heading into this series. Price is as solid as a rock in big games, given his experience at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games. Price was continuously calm, cool and collected throughout that tournament and one should expect that maturity to translate into great play during the playoffs.
Whether you are a fan of the Lightning and Canadiens or not, this is one series that every hockey fan should tune into. From the fireworks that will surely be provided by offensive juggernauts Thomas Vanek and Valtteri Filppula, to the rock solid goaltending provided by Bishop and Price, I expect this series to be excited from game one on Wednesday night in Tampa Bay and all the way through to a game seven matchup in the near future. Both teams are fast, productive and ready for playoff action. This series will surely be as entertaining as any we have all had the pleasure of watching in recent history.