Tampa Bay Lightning news and notes

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 8, 2011

Ennemis amicale (friendly foes)

The Lightning's Guy Boucher and Bruins' Claude Julien represent the first matchup of French-Canadian coaches in a conference final since New Jersey's Pat Burns and Ottawa's Jacques Martin in 2003.

As you would expect, this is big news for Canada's French-speaking media. But Boucher said, "I don't think of it that way. We have a good relationship and a respectful one, so it's a nonissue. He's not going to score any goals, and I'm not going to, either."

Boucher said he and Julien are not buddies, per se.

"But we know each other," he said. "We've talked to each other over the years. He's given me some tips over the years about things he was doing. I have respect for him."

Wedded bliss

Lightning RW Teddy Purcell caught a break when the Lightning on Wednesday finished its four-game sweep of the Capitals. He got a chance to attend a friend's wedding with 100 other guests, including his sister and mother.

John Schwartz, Purcell's buddy from his native Newfoundland, was married Friday on St. Pete Beach. Had the Capitals won, Game 5 would have been Friday in Washington.

"With the sweep, everything worked out perfect for it," Purcell said.

Tickets

An announcement about ticket sales for the series will be made shortly. Because the Lightning is the lower-seeded team, it will host Games 3 and 4 and a potential Game 6. The schedule will be determined after the West semifinals end.

Number of the day

39 Years since the Bruins won their last Stanley Cup championship (1971-72).

Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer

Quote to note

"Boston is one of those original teams that has a great history. If you've got a great history, most of the time you've got a good present. That's why they're always one of those contenders and teams people usually don't want to meet."

Lightning coach Guy Boucher

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/tampa-bay-lightning-news-and-notes/1168607

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