The Bruins have lost their last two trips to the conference finals since the club last made an appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1990. Tampa. meanwhile, won a title the only other time it made it past the second round.

Although these clubs have never met in the postseason, the Bruins did take three out of four from Tampa Bay this year and outscored the Lightning by a combined 15-8 margin. The Bolts' lone victory came in the season-series opener in Tampa on Nov. 22.

Thomas was 3-0 with a 1.67 GAA and .950 save percentage in three games against the Lightning this season. Roloson did not face the Bruins with either the Islanders or Lightning this year, but he is 5-2-2 with a 1.97 GAA and a .941 save percentage in nine career tests against them.

Both of these clubs are extremely hot entering this round. Boston has won eight of nine since falling behind 2-0 in the opening round against Montreal, while the Lightning have won seven straight.

Tampa has the edge on offense, while Boston boasts the stronger defensive corps and a slight advantage in goal. Although both clubs were able to make quick work of their opposition in Round 2 this series should give the Bruins and Lightning everything they can handle.

Expect Boston's experience to win out in the end as the B's use home-ice advantage to take what should be a tight series.

Our predicted outcome: Bruins in 7