Quick Strikes for Wednesday, June 10

• Illusions and mind games; the Lightning are winning that strategic game of deception and misdirection with the Blackhawks. [en-Lightning]
• A hobbled Bishop was aided by where shots were taken from by the Blackhawks… And by his teammates in preventing shots from danger-zones. [Even Strength Heroes and Villains]
• Besides Ben Bishop, the man in the spotlight from the Lightning roster has been defenseman Victor Hedman. And while Tyler Johnson was the one linked to Conn Smythe consideration in the playoffs before, it is Hedman associated with that discussion. [Tampa Bay Times]
• A little video conversation about the Lightning and the state of things in the Stanley Cup Final. [SB Nation]
• Lots and lots of fans are expected in downtown Tampa Wednesday night for game 4. A third big-screen and an extra entertainment will also be on hand. [Tampa Tribune]
• NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus is not a fan of NHL player’s playoff beards… It’s a marketing thing, I guess. Yeah, I can get that. So, how about a trade off? Players stop growing playoff beards and NBC Sports gets rid of obnoxious personalities like Mike Milbury and Pierre McGuire? [The Sporting News]
• Usually when the name Cory Conacher comes up, it’s been scoffed at by fans or laughed at because of a trade that disappointed his fans and aided the Lightning big time. Now with the Utica Comets of the AHL and playing for the Calder Cup, he shares some thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final. [Syracuse.com]
• Speaking ties to the Stanley Cup Final, Detroit Red Wings new head coach Jeff Blashill has ties to Lightning coach Jon Cooper; they’ve coached together in the past. [Detroit Free Press]
• There are rumors out there that former NHL defenseman Chris Chelios may join Blushill’s staff with the Wings. [CBS Sports]
• Mario Lemieux is getting out of the owning-the-Pittsburgh Penguins business… Until the cycle completes itself, I bet: Buy low when the team is bankrupt, get top draft picks and great business deals for the club, sell high, then watch the team fall back into bankruptcy on one blunder after another. [Forbes]
• The NHLPA was under the gun from players (both former and current) for not helping with the transition from playing to retirement life (read: the real world). So, what can be done? How about getting guys educated / back to school? [TSN.ca]
• “Amateur Tryouts” is not the title for what the Florida Everblades are doing from August 21 through August 23^rd. It’s a “Free Agent Camp.” Whatever the title, it’s an opportunity at the professional level though for unsigned hockey players.[Florida Everblades]

What is your opinion toward NBC Sports Mike Milbury?