Quick Strikes for Monday, April 25

When Steven Stamkos went down to an announced blood clot in the final few days of the regular season, many people wrote off the Tampa Bay Lightning as a serious contender in the postseason. Well, some of the guys on the squad must have taken that pessimism to heart. During the serious with the Detroit Red Wings, there were many who stepped up when their backs were against the wall. [The Hockey Writers]
While the Bolts did finally succeed in eliminating the Wings in five games, there is no doubt some of the core guys are hurting. Injuries and illnesses marred Game 5 versus the Red Wings, so the extended break has come as a relief. [Tampa Bay Times]
Another double overtime in Game 7 between the New York Islanders and Florida Panthers would have been welcome, but the Islanders finally broke through late Sunday night to move on to the second round of the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. [SB Nation]
The series win for the Islanders was the first since 1993. To celebrate this feat, the Empire State Building was lit up in New York Islanders colors. [CBS Sports]
While the Islanders celebrate, however, the New York Rangers are lamenting their series loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. [New York Post]
The Washington Capitals were actually one of three times to advance yesterday to the second round. By beating the Philadelphia Flyers, they locked up a match-up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here is a look at the upcoming match-up by the numbers. [Japers’ Rink]
Washington goaltender Braden Holtby is a big reason why the Caps find themselves moving on to the second round. But Holtby made sure to heap praise on Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth stopped 103 of 105 shots in three games against his former team. [Russian Machine Never Breaks]
The Dallas Stars moved on as well, defeating the Minnesota Wild in Game 6 of that series. Here is a recap of the game (Dungeons and Dragons style, strangely enough). [Defending Big D]
The United States took bronze at the World U18 Championship, blowing out Canada, 10-3. [SB Nation College Hockey]
Finally, with his late-season resurgence with the Los Angeles Kings and the announcement that he will indeed retire, Vincent Lecavalier will go out as a stud. Check out this shirt we have in the Raw Charge Store. [Gameday Depot]

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