2015 Stanley Cup playoffs

I've just got to say that the last two minutes of regulation in a one-goal game in the NHL playoffs is some of the most intense competition you'll see in any of the major sports. And that was especially true last night. I don't have a dog in this fight, and I was still standing and pacing through the last flurry of shots by Tampa Bay.

 

Wow, that was ugly, Tampa Bay. Just horrendous from start to finish. Lightning were lucky to have not lost 7-1.

 

Bishop's play was atrocious, and the last two minutes was like watching Keystone Kops, but thought overall the Lightning played fairly well. Granted, I'm in the office so wasn't watching as intently.

 

I actually used the "Keystone Kops" line when the Bishop-Hedman collision happened in the first period. I'm dying to hear his explanation of why he was so far out on the ice.

 

Not a clue. Especially considering he has been hurt.

 

So if Stamkos was European how much shit would he be eating right now?

I love Stamkos by the way, but if he's Sedin or Ovechkin what is being said?

 

I've been in a different continent for most of the series and haven't watched, but would "his team's in the final but ran into the best team of the past decade" be in the ballpark?

Is it worth noting that Ovechkin's teams have never advanced to the conference final, let alone the Stanley Cup Final?

 

It's also worth noting that Ovechkin has out produced Stamkos in the playoffs.

I don't disagree with you, I just hate the double standard.

 

Stamkos' disappearing act was mentioned multiple times before and during yesterday's game.

 

He really has gotten a pass, though. There have been columns that he needs to step up, but nothing overly critical. Probably because the media really like the guy. He has done jack spit, save for a few games earlier in the playoffs. Tyler Johnson also has been really banged up and my guess would be Kucherov ain't coming back. Haven't heard an update but my guess would be a broken collarbone or something like that. It might be ovah! But they'll be back sometime in the near future, I would think.

 

Criticism of Stamkos might be lessened by guys like Johnson and Kucherov picking up the slack. For the Caps, rarely does anyone pick up the slack for Ovechkin when he's not scoring. They just lose.

 

Definitely. And I just read a story that said Stamkos is getting more criticism than Kane. I have heard mentions that both have struggled, but nothing overly negative.