Quick Strikes for Wednesday, May 20

It’s important to be aware of the situation of your opponent while in a series such as this. Quite simply put, things went bad on Monday for the Rangers. Very. Bad. [Blueshirt Banter]
Tyler Johnson wasn’t just being good at the Hockey on Monday night in the Bolts victory over the New York Rangers; he was appending the Tampa Bay Lightning history books. [Lightning Shout]
He’s not just good at the hockey, Tyler Johnson’s also living his dream. [Tampa Bay Times]
A first-hand account from a fan who was in the stands for game 2, as well as his assessment of the team’s progression in the playoffs. [En-Lightning]
One of two understated drama factors with the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers is the link between Tampa Bay’s Rick Bowness and the Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault. [Tampa Bay Times]
The other understated connection between the two franchises is in Phil Esposito. [New York Times]
The Lightning’s weak point in the early part of the playoffs and much of the regular season was the power play, it’s surged since the Montreal series. You’ll find more on that and other notes from yesterday here. [Tampa Tribune]
You know who got overlooked for having a good game on Monday? Defenseman Victor Hedman. It happens. Often. [Toronto Sun]
All 30 NHL venues were ranked by the web site Stadium Journey that assesses the fan experience at games. Amalie Arena was ranked good and high. [Stadium Journey]
Ah, the free agent season is still six weeks away but we’ve been away in the saga of Mike Babcock. It would seem he’s down to two choices where he’ll invest himself next season: With the Detroit Red Wings or with the Buffalo Sabres. [Winging it in Motown]
…or is it over? Has the pending free agent coach decided on a destination and it is indeed upstate New York with Evander Kane and company? [Die by the Blade]
Elsewhere in New York, the moving vans are working as the Islanders move their belongings to Barclays Center… The offseason gives ample time, however, for nostalgia like this video f great moments at Nassau Coliseum for the Isles. [[Lighthouse Hockey]
Back to the coaching movement of the offseason, Todd McLellan takes over the Edmonton Oilers officially. [The Copper and Blue]
Patrick Roy pulled this in 2013, and he went bold with it too, with (then) prospect and projected #1 overall draft pick Nathan MacKinnon – he’ll be a member of the Avalanche. Now it’s McLellan’s turn. [The Copper and Blue]
A high draft pick or a change of coaches isn’t in store for the Washington Capitals. They’ll retool the roster as they can during the 2015 off-season. Who stays and who goes? [Puck Buddys]
Now take the same question and apply it to the Montreal Canadiens. [All Habs]

Talking Points