Wings @ Lightning
Pick: Bolts ML
Bolts, baby……..
The Wings are coming into Tampa and looks like momentum are with the Bolts offense right now and to boot – the NHL suspended Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall for charging Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov during Game 6.
Kronwall is one of their top players and defensemen as well as having put in work with a ton of playing time so he was an integral part of the lines.
I have to be honest ……..I already thought Bolts were going to bring this one home but this just solidifies it for me because every puzzle piece counts and without him, it will be tough to finish.
The Wings played gallantly to be sure and I do not think between the players and the excellent coaching that all will be rosy for an easy win. anyone who has watched this series knows that the competition will be as stiff as ever, tonight.
Bolts challenges come with a top offense playing extremely shaky and looking for ways to score as well as some shoddy tending in the stretch from Elliott so if they are going to win this one – they need to find that path to righteousness, quick.
I am not with the masses on the train of thought – Wings did well for sure and made adjustments but it was the BOLTs who put themselves in this situation. This series was never for the Wings to take or win.
If the Bolts had stayed the course of the regular season and not dicked around, they would have already shipped the Wings a game or two ago.
Now it is a do or die situation for both and it is going to be electric tonight in Tampa
My thoughts? Lightning strikes tonight and with the best home record in the league (32-8-1) I expect the Wings to get shocked.
I had Bolts to win this series and do not expect anything less from my overall choice.
I have been very wrong on this series as both games 5 and 6 played exactly opposite to script with neither team grabbing momentum after a big win. That said, the suspension of Kronwall is huge (weak sauce on that suspension btw, but for another day) and I think that changes the story line.
As such, despite being a life-long Wings fan, I have to agree Tampa is the play tonight. I think anything can happen in a Game 7 but without Kronwall the chances of Mrazek pitching another shutout in Tampa are incredibly slim. Wings have the better coach and the better goalie (most don’t realize this is Bishop’s first playoff as well) but I don’t think its enough. Tampa 3-1 with Stamkos finally getting on the board.
I do like the under just because its game 7.
Michael,
Very astute and I like that Under call…….
This game is going down to the wire and loving it!!!
The SOG favor the Wings but as my old coach used to say – it’s about quality and not quantity so hopefully the tending stays steady for Bolts and they put one in the five hole soon.
BLAMMO!