Dwayne Roloson #35 of the Tampa Bay Lightning argues a call with referee Steve Kozari #40 in the game against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St Pete Times Forum on May 4, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(No. 3) Boston Bruins v. (No. 5) Tampa Bay Lightning
2010-11 series: 3-1 Boston.
BREAKDOWN
All three Boston wins over Tampa this season came with Tim Thomas in the Bruins net. Tuukka Rask took the only loss, so it might seem the Bruins have the edge. But the ageless wonder, Bolts goalie Dwayne Roloson, 41, did not play in any of those games. It also looks like Boston will have to start the series without centre Patrice Bergeron (concussion), while the only injured Lightning player is defenceman Pavel Kubina (concussion). Given the defensive nature of both teams, this series will appear to be in slow motion compared to the Western Conference final. The Lightning have superior scoring.
David Shoalts pick: Lightning in seven games
Eric Duhatschek pick: Lightning in six games