Tampa Bay
This would be a classic confrontation of styles. You have offense against defense.
Goal scoring prowess against shut down, pound you into a corner physicality. A conflict of styles so epic that it puts pitcher’s duel vs. homerun derby-type games to shame.
Part of the intrigue of this matchup would be that Tampa is actually where the St. Louis Blues traditionally were. While the Lightning have won a Cup and been to another finals appearance, they have also choked with some supremely talented teams, the 2019 playoffs as the biggest example. There’s a laundry list of the times the Blues did that – I’m looking at you specifically 2000.
Would the Lightning get redemption on the level of Virginia University losing to a 16 seed one year and then winning it all the next? Or, would the Blues and Jordan Binnington be able to quiet their offense and win a second title overall?
Of course, you cannot mention playing Tampa without another group of former Blues. The Lightning picked up Pat Maroon for the very reason the Blues did last year, to provide a bit of size and nastiness right when you need it.
Tampa also has Kevin Shattenkirk. Would the blue liner’s offense be enough to carry the day or would his defensive deficiencies give the Blues’ forwards too much room?
On a personal note, it would be neat to see the Blues go up against Jon Cooper, the Lightning’s coach. He was the St. Louis Bandits coach when I broadcast for them in their first season here.
Now, of course, as a Blues fan, he could get swept for all I care, even though I like him. But, it would still be a nice little addition to the story.