Times columnist Tom Jones gives his thoughts while watching the broadcast of Game 4 of the series between the Lightning and Devils:
Big hitters
There's this idea out there that the Lightning lacks the toughness to go deep in the playoffs. Hogwash.
Okay, so Steven Stamkos was the team's leader in penalty minutes – and that does seem odd. However, this isn't the 1970s where there are fights every period. You don't need to throw hands to be tough in this league and the Lightning held up just fine this season.
Nevertheless, the Lightning came out throwing big-time checks in Game 4.