The HPC Podcast crew (Kitts, Kus, Schwartz, & Rubes) wrap up the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals, the Lightning’s epic Cup celebration, and speculate where some of the league’s biggest free agents and trade chips are headed.
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ICYMI
After being swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the opening round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and suffering the “worst upset in hockey history” last season, the 2019-20 Tampa Bay Lightning put it all together, finally!
Which is hard to fathom considering they played without their captain, Steven Stamkos, who doubles as one of the league’s most potent shooters. Stamkos was limited to 1 game — really 1 period — and made the most of it, sniping a goal on his 3rd shift of the game past Anton Khudobin.
But the rest of the Lightning’s lineup stepped up big in Stamkos’ absence, especially Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy (who pitched his first career playoff shutout to clinch Lord Stanley in game 6), and Victor Hedman.
Hedman finished the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 goals, 22 assists, and a plus-13. He was an imposing, dominant player the entire playoffs and well-worthy of becoming only the 10th defenseman in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
And apparently Mr. Hedman doesn’t miss leg day!
But overall, what a run by the Lightning, who celebrated their faces off, in typical Stanley Cup Champion fashion!
And regardless if you’re a douche and believe this year’s Stanley Cup winner deserves an asterisk or not, you have to tip your cap to the NHL for hosting and broadcasting the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sure, it wasn’t the same without fans in the stands, but the hockey on the ice was still spectacular. Thank you, NHL for successfully completing the 2019-20 season!
And with the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and opening day of free agency right around the corner, the boys speculate a fast-paced signing and trade market while franchises try and lock in their rosters and corresponding salaries prior to next season.
But one thing we do know is “King Henrik” Lundqvist won’t be playing for the Rangers, after being bought out.
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