Well, it's that time of the year again. Playoffs. And once again, Detroit faces Tampa Bay for Round 1, this time without Steven Stamkos due to injury. Datsyuk is also in his last year in his tenure with the NHL. Both teams are struggling as of late. Detroit can't seem to score any amount of goals whatsoever and Tampa lost their leading goal scorer. Jimmy Howard of Detroit has been a big story for them as he played really well during the late stages of the season. Nikita Kucherov hit the 30-goal landmark that he almost acquired last season (29).
Detroit (41-30-11) (93 points; 3rd Atlantic) V. Tampa (46-31-5) (97 points; 2nd Atlantic).
Last year, the Detroit/Tampa series was heated. Many fights between the two teams during the 7 game series. Detroit had the 3-2 lead, but Tampa won 2 straight to win the series in 7. Petr Mrazek made his playoff debut and played rather well despite the 3-4 record. He had a 2.11 GAA with a .925 SV% and 2 Shutouts. He made the one spectacular save with the paddle, which made highlight reels for the longest time.
Tampa lost Steven Stamkos due to a blood clot in his arm and is out for 1-3 month(s). Nikita Kucherov (30-36-66) led his team in points. Tyler Johnson has modeled inconsistency throughout the season. (14-24-38; 29-43-72).
The teams are still looking for an Eastern Conference Stanley Cup this year instead of Chicago and LA. The series starts Wednesday, April 13.
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