Tampa Bay Lightning
Oliver Bjorkstrand is the Tampa Bay Lightning’s x-factor for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. A matchup versus the Boston Bruins looms in the first round for the Lightning, and Bjorkstrand must rise to his 2024 All-Star caliber level of play.
Bjorkstrand, as a left wing, is featured on the Lightning’s extremely dangerous second line with center Anthony Cirelli and right wing Gage Goncalves. He has been having a down season by his standards, with only 11 goals and 19 assists, but has been efficient from the face-off circle with a 46.7% win rate. Despite only tallying 30 points, 14 of those have come on the power play. Bjorkstrand is a member of the Lightning’s first power play unit and has tied a career high in goals with 9 on power plays this season.
The likely matchup with the Boston Bruins will play a role in Bjorkstrand’s x-factor ability. In his last three games against the Bruins, he has tallied at least one point in each matchup, and his Lightning squad has also come out victorious in each of those games. Over his career, Bjorkstrand has a record of 20-10-4 against the Bruins. Despite not facing off in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2020, the Lightning have the edge over the Bruins as well, based on recent success in the postseason, as the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021.
Boston Bruins
Tanner Jeannot is the Bruins’ x-factor for their Stanley Cup Playoffs run. He will have to muster multiple remarkable performances for the Bruins to be able to defeat the Lightning in what is sure to be an uphill battle.
Jeannot is the left wing on the Bruins’ intriguing fourth line, along with center Sean Kuraly and right wing Mark Kastelic. This trio has the second-most shot attempts and shots on goal among all Bruins player combinations. Unfortunately, Jeannot has been frigid in his last 19 games with zero points. Due to the uncertainty around the Bruins third line, Jeannot may play a versatile role in supporting that offensive set as a forward. He is also featured as a member of the Bruins’ second penalty kill group, which has a 76.6% penalty kill rate.
The x-factor advantage that Jeannot possesses for the Bruins potential series against the Lightning is that he spent two seasons in Tampa Bay from 2022 to 2024. As a part of head coach Jon Cooper’s system, Jeannot played an integral part in helping the Lightning secure consecutive 98-point seasons and Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. With Jeannot’s leadership, previous playoff experience, and understanding of how Cooper and the Lightning attack opponents offensively, he will help his Boston team hopefully advance, as they missed the playoffs the previous season.
Prediction
Bjorkstrand has the ability and potential to keep the Lightning’s power play churning, which will result in them winning this first-round series in five games over Jeannot and the Bruins.
