Playoff hockey – thoughts on Mrazek, Darling, Beaulieu, Ehlers, Wilson and more …

***

Tampa Bay can’t score? Who saw that coming? The most potent offense in the league boasts a superstar on one line, the best trio of youngsters in the league on another line, and solid potential 55-point guys (at least) on a third line. How do you stop all three of these lines? You’ll have to ask the Red Wings, who almost completely shut them down in Games 1 and 2.

My theory? Physical play. Toughness vs. speed, which is kind of odd to say about Red Wings team. But next to TB, Detroit is far grittier. They outhit the Lightning 48-26 and topped them 10-5 in BLKSn

Steven Stamkos hasn’t found the net yet and has just one assist at even strength. He does have 11 shots on goal in the series, so perhaps it’s just a matter of time.

And speaking of ‘matter of time’, how many games could Ondrej Palat possibly go without a point? He’s pointless in his last four. Two other occasions he went that long this year – six games in January and four in November.

*

Let’s talk some Petr Mrazek now. He’s given up six goals in three games now, with two wins and his first career playoff shutout. If Jimmy Howard is healthy throughout 2015-16, I still see Mrazek taking 60 percent of the starts. But this projection changes quickly if a new coach comes in.