Rangers vs. Lightning: 2022 Eastern Conference Final Preview

A lot has changed between the 2022 Eastern Conference Final, and the last time the Rangers and Lightning met: the 2015 Eastern Conference Final.

Sure, some things were the same, or similar. The names are different, but from Henrik Lundqvist to Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers are still luxuriating in all-world goaltending from netminders they found in the fourth round or later. Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Victor Hedman remain crucial to the Lightning’s success. Chris Kreider‘s still there to score goals and test nerves.

But then there are the differences. Andrei Vasilevskiy is no longer backing up Ben Bishop, and plenty of people would argue that he’d be a backup to no one. (Of course, others might view him as Russia’s backup to … yes, Igor Shesterkin.)

The Rangers went through a rebuild between these conference final appearances. Some called for the Lightning to tear things down after a shocking sweep to the Blue Jackets, yet they wisely resisted those pleas. Now, of course, they’re deep into a three-peat bid.

When fans aren’t watching Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and other stars collide out West, they can be treated to Igor Shesterkin and Andrei Vasilevskiy making their cases for best goalie in the world.

As you’ll see from this Rangers – Lightning series, there’s quite a lot to be excited about.

NEW YORK RANGERS v. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Game 1 – June 1: Lightning at Rangers, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)Game 2 – June 3: Lightning at Rangers, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)Game 3 – June 5: Rangers at Lightning, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)Game 4 – June 7: Rangers at Lightning, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)*Game 5 – June 9: Lightning at Rangers, 8 p.m. ET (TBD)*Game 6 – June 11: Rangers at Lightning, 8