Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

As you know, the Tampa Bay Lightning have made it into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Round one begins tonight vs. the New Jersey Devils, so we asked Rick of the Bolts Blog to give us a preview:

The Lightning face off Thursday night in New Jersey to open the 1st round of the playoffs. On paper this matchup seems to favour the Devils, primarily in the goaltending department. The Devils have future hall of famer Martin Brodeur between the pipes, in contrast to the Lightning’s rookie net minders Johan Holmqvist and Karri Ramo. While having Brodeur is an advantage, don’t look past Holmer. Last year he won the World Cup with Sweden, and has won a Calder Cup in the AHL. He’s been in pressure situations before. The Lightning shook things up a bit Tuesday, naming recent rookie call-up Karri Ramo as Holmer’s back-up and demoting Marc Denis to the number three position. Why now? It’s Torts, who knows…

The Lightning also bring the obvious to the table in the “Big 4.” Vinny, Marty, Richards and Boyle have made many a good goalie look foolish. Brodeur is no exception. The Bolts have taken 3 of 4 from the Devils this season, including both games in Jersey and have gone 13-4 in the last 17 regular season games against New Jersey. They know how to get to Brodeur. The Devils on the other hand come into the playoffs as the lowest scoring team to get in. They play boring defensive hockey, taking advantage of their opponents mistakes. Patience and alot of shots on net will give the Bolts a good chance in this one.

Jersey is also questionable in the durability department. Four of their main players are coming off injuries. Elias, Madden, Gionta and Gomez have all missed considerable time this season and may not make it through the series for the Devils. The Lightning come in relatively healthy. Ryan Craig is back skating after missing the final 2 regular season games with a sprained left knee. Paul Ranger is back and looking pretty good.

Can Brodeur carry his team on his back? I don’t think so. He’ll face a barrage of shots night after night from the Big 4, and that is bound to wear on even the best goalie, (which he may be). If Holmer is solid, Marty and Vinny do their thing and the supporting crew plays tough error-free hockey, the Bolts can go deep into the post season.

I predict the Lightning will win in 6.

For a breakdown on the rest of the playoff matchups, head to Bolts Blog. (http://tblightningblog.blogspot.com)