|
Each
week, CBC Sports Online will get the scoop on the hockey world
from Kelly Hrudey, the man behind the mask.
Hockey
Night in Canada analyst Kelly Hrudey gives the lowdown
on the Stanley Cup finals.
Calgary vs. Tampa Bay
What should hockey fans expect to see in this year's Stanley Cup finals?
People are going to see extremely exciting hockey because of the passion both teams play with. Heading into the Cup finals, I've heard a few hockey people say they were disappointed that it was a Calgary-Tampa Bay final. Well, those people are wrong in thinking that. We're going to see excellent, fast-paced hockey. Calgary is a dynamic team. They give it their all every game and for that reason alone, this is going to be one Stanley Cup you won't want to miss.
Again, like a lot of series in these playoffs, this one will be a long one – six or seven games for sure. Calgary and Tampa Bay are so closely matched. No team will run away with this series.
How do you feel about a Canadian-based team contending for the Stanley Cup?
I'm excited for a couple of reasons. One, we in Canada love the sport and it's great for the fans in this country. And two, having teams like Calgary and Tampa in the finals shows that the CBA [collective bargaining agreement] really works. Given a strong management team, one that does its homework, it doesn't matter whether you have a $30 million or $80 million payroll, your team can make it deep into the Stanley Cup playoffs. Calgary and Tampa Bay are proving that in this year's finals.
What does Tampa Bay need to do in order to win the Stanley Cup?
Well, the Lightning are a strong team defensively. That's something most people don't recognize about them and I'll give you two examples. In the clinching games against both Montreal and Philadelphia, Tampa held a lead midway through the game then locked down played strong defence. Now, you might say that's not such a big deal. However, Tampa is known as an all-out offensive team, but the defensive part of the Lightning's game is misunderstood. Sure they will score a lot of goals, but their defence is winning them games.
What does Calgary need to do to capture the Stanley Cup?
This is going to sound simple, but the Flames have to continue their hard-nosed play. Back in January, I spoke at a luncheon here in Calgary and I remember saying that what separates this Flames squad from others from years past is their determination. Nothing affects these guys in a negative way. They may have a bad shift or a bad period, but they still manage to stay positive and look forward. Jarome [Iginla] leads Calgary, but each and every player on this Flames team has contributed and led in his own way.
Impact players for each team?
Tampa Bay – Fredrik Modin. He has developed into a well-rounded player and deserves credit for the way he's played in these playoffs. I don't think people expected this much from him when he left the Leafs. He's surprised people with his offence, but also the way he plays in his own end.
Calgary – Robyn Regehr. He just plays with so much heart. Regehr is absolutely punishing to play against. He's a workhorse. Teams don't like to come up against him. He's really elevated his game to another level, a level he's never been at before.
|
