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5 Bold Predictions for New York Rangers vs Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015 NHL Playoffs

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5 Bold Predictions for the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Rangers
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The Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers face off with a spot in the Stanley Cup Final at stake. On the eve of Game 1 here are five bold predictions for the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals.

5. Steven Stamkos Won't Be Kept From Scoring a Goal

Steven Stamkos
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Steven Stamkos Won't Be Kept From Scoring a Goal

Steven Stamkos
Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

This may not be that “bold”, but the superstar has only found the back of the net three times in the playoffs. Despite going up against the brick wall that is Henrik Lundqvist I think we'll see more of the regular season Stammer, who was second in the NHL in goal scoring.

4. J.T. Miller Will Keep Up His Stellar Play

Rangers Looking To Young Talent To Fill Holes Left By Free Agency
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

4. J.T. Miller Keep Up His Stellar Play

Rangers Looking To Young Talent To Fill Holes Left By Free Agency
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

The former Plymouth Whaler has been in and out of Alain Vigneault’s doghouse all season, but had consecutive impressive games against the Capitals in Games 6 and 7. I fully expect Miller to show up at his best against the Lightning as the 22-year-old established himself as a bona fide NHL player.

3. Martin St. Louis Will Score in Game 3

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers - Game Five
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3. Martin St. Louis Will Score in Game 3

Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers - Game Five
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The former league MVP with the Lightning left Tampa on bad terms via trade last season and will play his second game at Amalie Arena since the trade in Game 3. Despite not having a goal in the playoffs I expect St. Louis to silence the boo-birds in his Sunshine State return and score in his first playoff game in Tampa in four years.

2. Jonathan Drouin Will Have His Breakout Moment

Tampa Bay Lightning v Winnipeg Jets
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2. Jonathan Drouin Will Have His Breakout Moment

Tampa Bay Lightning v Winnipeg Jets
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The last time the Lightning were in the Conference Finals, teenaged star Tyler Seguin went from the press box to the ice for the Boston Bruins and torched the Bolts in Game 2 of that series. The 20-year-old Drouin has seen a similar fate in the playoffs, but I think somehow he will find his way back into the lineup and showcase why he was such a highly-touted prospect.

1. Tampa Will Win in Seven Games

Tampa Bay Lightning Celebrate Detroit Red Wings
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1. Tampa Will Win in Seven Games

Tampa Bay Lightning Celebrate Detroit Red Wings
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Despite being the best team in the NHL and coming back from the brink against the Rangers, this upstart team from Tampa will be the ones that derail their season. It’ll go the distance with the Lightning getting the win in New York and closing Madison Square Garden for the summer.

PowerPlayCJ is a writer for RantSports.
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Watch Henrik Lundqvist Knock Net Off Moorings To Stop Game

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