Penguins vs. Lightning: How the teams match up in Eastern Conference finals

A look at how the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning match up in the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals:

PITTSBURGH 48-26-8, 104 pts

R1: Def. N.Y. Rangers, 4-1.

R2: Def. Washington, 4-2

TAMPA BAY 46-31-5, 97 pts

R1: Def. Detroit, 4-1.

R2: Def. N.Y. Islanders, 4-1.

Power play: Season — Penguins 18.4% (16th); Lightning 15.8% (28th). Playoffs — Penguins 27.5% (third); Lightning 16.3% (ninth).

Penalty killing: Season — Penguins 84.4% (fifth); Lightning 84% (seventh). Playoffs — Penguins 83.3% (fifth); Lightning 88.4% (third).

Top scorers: Season — Penguins, Sidney Crosby 36-49—85; Lightning, Nikita Kucherov 30-36—66. Playoffs — Penguins, Phil Kessel 5-7—12; Lightning, Tyler Johnson 4-9—13.

Outlook: The Penguins got little production from Crosby or Evgeni Malkin against top-ranked Washington but as a team are averaging a playoff-best 3.36 goals per game. They’ve won on speed, depth — 15 players have goals — and the energy of third-liners Kessel, Nick Bonino (two goals, eight points) and Carl Hagelin (four goals, eight points). Goaltender Matt Murray (2.05 goals-against average, .935 save percentage) has shown great poise at age 21. The Lightning got some rest but not enough for Steven Stamkos (vascular surgery) to return. Johnson, Nikita Kucherov (nine goals, 12 points) and Alex Killorn (three goals, nine points) will test Pittsburgh’s defense. Goalie Ben Bishop (1.89, .938) is a clutch performer and stud defenseman Victor Hedman has been a standout.

Helene Elliott’s pick: Penguins in seven.