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Boston Bruins rivalry roundup: Scoping out the Atlantic Division for 2017-2018

By Chad Zimmermann

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Bruins fans cheer on their team during the third period of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden on April 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Senators defeat the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Bruins fans cheer on their team during the third period of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden on April 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Senators defeat the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 01: Steven Stamkos
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 01: Steven Stamkos /

Tampa Bay Lightning

2016-2017 record:  42-30-10

Interesting factoid from last season:  Tampa Bay was the converse of the Ottawa Senators…they were the only team with a positive goal differential to not make the playoffs last season (+7).

2017-2018 outlook:  If the NHL played am 85 or 90 game season, it is likely that Tampa Bay would have made the playoffs last season.  The team that most people thought was out of it midway through the season came roaring back.  The team went 14-5-2 in their final 21 games, and missed the playoffs by a single point.  You can’t help but feel bad for Steven Stamkos.  He’s one of the best goal scorers in the game, yet he’s had multiple seasons cut short with significant injuries.

The team turns to unproven, 23 year old netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy, hoping he can simply put up reasonable splits.  This team is likely going to be very run-and-gun, hoping to score so many goals that their defense and goaltending need only be average.

Prediction:  IF Stamkos can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this team.  Given the reliance on a fairly green goaltender, I see a 3rd place finish for the Lightning this season.

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