Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018: Lightning vs. Devils TV schedule

Here’s how you can watch the first-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018 featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New Jersey Devils

Two of the first-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018 didn’t have their matchups decided until Sunday, April 8. One of them featured the second wild-card team from the Eastern Conference, the New Jersey Devils. Thanks to the Florida Panthers beating the Boston Bruins, it’s confirmed they will face the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Let’s take a look at their first-round schedule, including the television listings. Just as a reminder, Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 will be held in Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Games 3, 4, and 6 will be held in New Jersey.

Schedule

Analysis

Tampa Bay did not do well against New Jersey during the regular season. They went 0-2-1 against them in the season series. So this could be a potential upset for the Lightning. Tampa Bay will have to focus and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy will have to be at his best. However, they have been playing quite well as of late, getting some necessary wins down the stretch.

New Jersey will hope to continue their Cinderella run. They are led by Hart Trophy candidate Taylor Hall, who has been on fire this season. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is led by Norris Trophy candidate Victor Hedman and Hart Trophy candidate Nikita Kucherov.

Next: Power Ranking the Stanley Cup Playoff Teams

While this is a bad draw for the Lightning, you can throw regular season records out the window in the postseason. Tampa Bay is looking to win their second Stanley Cup while New Jersey is looking to add their fourth.

For updated Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018 coverage, check out our hub page!