Quad,
Good analysis. Although I did think the Lightning did what they wanted to try to do. They put on a lot of pressure and took a lot of shots early. They just didn't convert enough.
As I mentioned, it comes down to goal tending and special teams. Graham will not lead us any farther than Ottowa in the playoffs, and maybe not even that far
The Sens killed off penalties with an agressive style. The Lightning have not been agressive at all with the man advantage all year, IMO.
In the Lightning run last year they played a 'never give up' style. I think they are playing the same way, but they are making mistakes and it costs them. Kubina, Sydor especially.
I just got done watching the Sabres Flyers game. 2OT. Esche absolutely stood on his head. The Sportscenter shot on Umberger was awesome. The Sabres are a very good offensive team.
All the cliches are true. There is nothing like playoff hockey.