The Bolts
Matthew Esteves gave a guest lecture at the SB Nation main page on the topic of what the hell happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning. His analysis of the situation, taking all things into account, is very well thought out and, in my opinion, absolutely bang on. A must-read piece. [SB Nation]
This season’s Tampa Bay Lightning are the only Presidents’ Trophy winner in NHL history to be swept in the first round. The Lightning didn’t falter due to a “lack of heart” or not having enough “character”, as some narratives would like to imply. The Lightning lost this series due to a variety of factors — most importantly: an inability to carry play consistently at five-on-five, a failure to adapt to the forecheck of Columbus, their special teams failing to live up to expectations, and their Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltender struggling at the worst time.
If you want to hear more from Matt, he went on the a New York Rangers podcast and was fully delightful.
.@OhRyanMead and @Kaps_Locked discuss the @NYRangers presidential search, John Davidson’s future role, evaluating players in a rebuilding year + play Staal v. Pionk. Then, @mattestevesSBN of @RawCharge fame drops by to talk @TBLightning and the future.https://t.co/hss6TYe9Y3
— Blueshirts Breakaway (@BlueshirtsBreak) April 23, 2019
We here at Raw Charge are engaging in our annual player grades, and we want your input! Follow the link below and give your letter grades on each of the players that played on the Bolts. We, the writers, will do the same and the player profiles will be posted in the near future! [Raw Charge]
Just like last year, we’re opening the process to all the readers to join in with the writers in grading the players. We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey using the typical A-F grading scale for thirteen forwards, eight defenders, and two goalies. The more people who respond the better so we encourage everyone to get involved.
Related
Raw Charge 2018-2019 Tampa Bay Lightning Player Grades
The Prospects
The Syracuse Crunch need to win three straight against the Cleveland Monsters and they completed one third of that task on Tuesday night in a 2-1 victory. Alex Barre-Boulet and Andy Andreoff scored for the Crunch, while Eddie Pasquale stopped 25 of 26 in the win. [The AHL]
Syracuse kept its season alive on Tuesday night with a 2-1 road victory over Cleveland in Game 3 of their North Division semifinal series. The Monsters still hold a 2-1 series lead as they prepare to host Game 4 on Thursday. AHL rookie of the year Alex Barre-Boulet had a goal and an assist for the Crunch and Andy Andreoff‘s power-play goal 31 seconds into the third period proved to be the game-winner.
The power play coming through for us. #SYRvsCLE | #RaiseIt pic.twitter.com/hu9R5f5uTH
— y – Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) April 24, 2019
Before the game, JustinG. gave a speech on what the Crunch need to accomplish in order to climb the mountain, starting with game three. Safe to say they did a few of the things Justin hoped they would do. [Raw Charge]
That has to stop. It’s hard enough to win a playoff game as it is, and it becomes doubly so when you’re making it easy for your opponent. The Crunch have to find a way to beat the Cleveland forecheck. As important as the blocked shot has been to the Monsters, all it does is prevent goals. It’s the forecheck that has been leading to the offense for Cleveland.
One game at a time.#SYRvsCLE | #RaiseIt
📝: https://t.co/hkDtqkXnbg pic.twitter.com/ttSHVq2Nux
— y – Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) April 24, 2019
And finally, the Orlando Solar Bears are on their way to the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs! Hurray!
‘Blades have advanced in the Kelly Cup Playoffs presented by @smiledirectclub
Here is the schedule for round two against the Solar Bears!#EverRising pic.twitter.com/p9MTEx0vIh
— xy-Florida Everblades (@FL_Everblades) April 23, 2019
The Game
The Boston Bruins eliminated the Toronto Maple Leafs in game seven by a score of 5-1 (two of the Bruins goals were empty netters). If you want to read about the game, check out PPP’s recap. they have very nice people over there. [Pension Plan Puppets]
Be honest, do you really want to read this?
Blueshirt Banter is currently discussing whether to trade the second-overall pick in the 2019 draft. It is a pick they haven’t received in god knows how long and will bring the rebuilding team a massive influx of superstar-level skill and quality. But that’s just my side of the take. [Blueshirt Banter]
However, as always happens this time of year, people like to speculate what it would take for a team to either trade for or trade away their first or second-overall pick. It happens every year and it’s one of the more sysphysian debates you’ll have in the offseason because that boulder will never reach that hill, but everyone does it anyway; including me in this article.
If you’re just waking up to find out what happened in the late game between the Sharks and Knights, hoo boy. Give yourself some time this morning to read about it and watch the highlights. You can start with the recap from Fear the Fin.
7:34: This has honestly been the most breathless period of hockey I’ve ever watch, and I’ve probably watched a few hundred games of the ole stick-puck. There is just chance after chance after chance, and every time there’s a chance it feels like I have to stop to catch my breath. I hope you’re all enjoying this as much as I am, but also look after yourselves. Breathe and stand up occasionally and all that.
Highlight of the Night: Everything from the second half of the third period until the end of the game in San Jose. All of it. Good lord what a game.
