Lightning ECF: 5 Questions Heading Into Eastern Conference Final and Series Predictions

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Corey Perry #10 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at the Amalie Arena on December 31, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Corey Perry #10 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the third period at the Amalie Arena on December 31, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
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The Tampa Bay Lightning are set start their sixth Eastern Conference Final appearance in the last eight seasons with a rematch from 2015 against the New York Rangers.

Much has changed since the 2015 series that ended with the Lightning becoming the first team to defeat the Rangers in a game 7 at Madison Square Garden. The Lightning are no longer the new kids in the postseason and are now a battle-hardened team with two Cups to their names.

For New York, their roster has been entirely rebuilt since 2015 – only Chris Kreider remains from that team. Their captain, Ryan McDonagh, now wears a Lightning uniform, and they now resemble the up-and-coming team loaded with young talent that the Lightning were in 2015.

Before the series kicks off, we have a couple of questions for the Tampa Bay Lightning that will need to be answered as the series progresses.