And now a second team has been eliminated from the playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning joined the Washington Capitals in being shown the way home. We’re talking about two clubs that had their moments of glory in the past, but now have to deal with the inevitable downfall that follows more successful years.
By the way, as of tonight, the Maple Leafs, Islanders, Jets and Predators may also have to pack their bags, since the first-round series isn’t exactly tight… apart from the one involving Vegas and Dallas.
(Credit: NHL.com)
The Lightning were the second club eliminated, partly because of the timing of the schedule (some clubs will surely be heading home tonight, 24 hours after Tampa Bay)… but the fact remains that for Tampa Bay, losing so early is a setback.
Losing in the first round last year could have been seen as “an anomaly”, or as the result of three consecutive seasons of making it to the Grand Finals.
But losing in the first round again this season is a trend.
It’s all very well for Jon Cooper to come out and say that the two goals the Lightning were denied yesterday were because the goalies can’t take contact any more and should be given skirts, but…
Contacts in the playoffs are prison rules, but they’re not prison rules for goalies? The second something happens, we might as well have put skirts on them.
They have to go through contact too. – Jon Cooper
The man wasn’t happy…
https://t.co/nw5tEWuzyf
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 30, 2024
But the fact remains that if the Lightning hadn’t put themselves in a position where Game #5 was a no-win duel for the club, they wouldn’t have been at the mercy of “a goalie who doesn’t move” to generate a disallowed goal.
I’m not saying the coach is fundamentally wrong. After all, both goals could well have been awarded.
Goal or no goal?? Cats are challenging goalie interference. pic.twitter.com/dLAkghFPoi
– Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 29, 2024
The referee waived off Tampa Bay’s goal because Cirelli was in the crease. pic.twitter.com/SGHdp4aaKM
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 30, 2024
However, it’s an astonishing comment from a coach trained to be a lawyer at heart. Cooper has always said the right things in the playoffs to maintain control, and he flatters his opponents in the process.
Does he feel the Lightning dynasty slipping through his hands?
In gusto
– Why is the Habs retweeting this? Good question.
Why does MTL keep retweeting this lol pic.twitter.com/9TA53z0hRv
– carina (@goalcauf) April 29, 2024
– A year ago, he couldn’t have said the same thing.
Marc Denis “encouraged” by the progress of Quebec hockey https://t.co/ORbx2tB4Kd
– La Presse Sports (@LaPresse_Sports) April 30, 2024
– Second straight win for the Blue Jays. Will they inspire the Maple Leafs, another Toronto club whose attack is currently disappointing?
Justin Turner stands up for his club (again). https://t.co/UHhrz95gZx
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) April 30, 2024
– It would be amazing.
Les Amateurs de sports I What if a GM contacted Félix Potvin like Kent Hughes did with Martin St-Louis?
The main interested party talks about it with @LangloisMario https://t.co/R8xqxyZFP2
– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) April 30, 2024
– Jason Kelce on TV: no surprises… and good news for football fans.
Jason Kelce joining ESPN as NFL analyst for ‘Monday Night Football’ pregame show https://t.co/twoOgObm6v pic.twitter.com/WTWgO4sooH
– New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) April 30, 2024
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