Quick Strikes: The Stanley Cup Final starts tonight

The Bolts

We’re compiling end-of-year grades for the Lightning and we want your help. We posted the instructions for how to participate yesterday. The compiled responses will appear in our player grade this series in the next couple weeks. [Raw Charge]

The League

As you might be aware, the NHL Stanley Cup Final starts tonight between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals. Game 1 will be in Las Vegas, which is definitely a normal thing that we all expected to happen this season. [Sports Illustrated]

Who ya got?

Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup Final?

The Cup Final has plenty of players who achieved success in the AHL before they made it to the NHL [AHL]

The #StanleyCup Final between the @Capitals and @GoldenKnights is full of AHL alumni and past #CalderCup champions.

→ https://t.co/JNfVFJc08B pic.twitter.com/zPNB9xniEX

— AHL (@TheAHL) May 27, 2018

This is a fun story by Kenny Albert about being Barry Trotz’ roomate in the AHL. The broadcaster and Washington Capitals’ head coach will now both be participating in the Stanley Cup Final. [NHL]

Jimmy Fallon did that thing where he makes up fake superlatives for NHL players. [NHL]

Lil’ Jon will be performing a free concert in Vegas before game one....YEAAAAAAA!!!! WHAT!! OKKKKK!!! [Bleacher Report]

The Game

Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL won the Memorial Cup behind a 28 save shutout from Evan Fitzpatrick. Sam Steel of the losing Regina Pats won the MVP award. [TSN]

If you’re jonesing for some southwest Florida hockey, the Florida Everblades are in the ECHL Final. They’re currently tied with the Colorado Eagles at one win each. If you live in the Ft. Myers area, you can check out games this week on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. [Everblades]

This series is coming home 1-1 after the Everblades defeat the Eagles 4-3#DefendTheSwamp pic.twitter.com/PyLK2X8xSG

— Florida Everblades (@FL_Everblades) May 28, 2018