(Tampa) More than a week off between playoff games can feel like an eternity for any team.
Posted at 1:57 p.m.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions will be hoping the extended break they got after sweeping the Florida Panthers in the second round of the playoffs will help them in their quest for a hat-trick.
When they enter the Eastern Conference Final on Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Rangers, the Lightning will not have played since May 23.
“People always ask whether it’s better to have time off or not,” coach Jon Cooper said. I guess the real answer depends on the next series and how you play. »
The defending champions, back in the Eastern Finals for the sixth time in eight years, feel they have the leadership and experience to deal with the team’s longest break between playoff games in addition of a decade.
“You don’t really expect so much free time at this time of year. You have to look at the positives, said captain Steven Stamkos. The guys can rest and recover and hopefully be as fit as possible before they start the next round. »
The Lightning have won six straight games, going from a close elimination against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round to another appearance in the Conference Finals.
More than a week of inactivity puts players at risk of being out of synch due to a disruption in the team’s regular routine.
Cooper stressed, however, that whatever happens, the Lightning need time to rest and allow injured players to recover.
“We’ve been through some tough battles in the previous series, so it’s critical for us to have that break now,” Cooper said.
“The downside is that no matter what you do in practice, you’ll never be able to imitate what happens in a playoff game. You just hope not to lose your edge. We have enough veterans in the squad, so we should be able to get by. »
The bye is the Lightning’s longest between playoffs since getting nine days off after a second-round sweep of the Washington Capitals in 2011.
The Lightning then ended up losing the next series to the Boston Bruins in seven games.
“We are professional enough to know what to expect (Wednesday). We are delighted with this opportunity,” said defender Victor Hedman. We’re ready to get back to playing, obviously, but you’re not going to say no if you get a few extra days off for winning four in a row (against Florida). »
Since the start of the 2020 playoffs, the Lightning have won 10 consecutive playoffs. In addition to aiming for a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance, it is trying to become the first team to win three consecutive titles since the New York Islanders won four in a row from 1980 to 1983.
“We know what it takes, we know how tough it is to get to where we are right now,” said forward Pat Maroon, who won the Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019. before joining the Lightning for their championship two years ago.
“It doesn’t matter who we’re going to play against,” added Maroon, looking ahead to facing the Hurricanes or Rangers next, “they’re both really good teams. »