We have to commend the Tampa Bay Lightning for trying to accomplish the nearly impossible, in trying to sustain a dynasty in conditions that are intentionally designed for parity. They have firmly established themselves as the premier team of the salary cap era, and a third consecutive Stanley Cup win would elevate this group into a different echelon.
If watching the Lightning has been akin to fine cinema, we’re in the final minutes of Goodfellas now. The young and ascending Rangers have presented the greatest threat to the incumbent’s throne, the helicopters are circling the neighbourhood. Everything was for the taking, and now it could be all over, if Jon Cooper and company cannot win four of their next five games.