2011 NHL Playoffs: Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 1 Live Blog

The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning will play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight, and both teams have had over a week to rest and prepare for each other.

Both teams have potent offenses and veteran goalies playing very well. Bruins goalie Tim Thomas has been amazing in the postseason, and is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender.

Lightning netminder Dwayne Roloson is an experienced player who has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, and has brought veteran leadership to them.

The Bruins' best all-around forward, Patrice Bergeron, is out for Game 1 with a mild concussion, and his return to the playoffs is uncertain.

Chris Kelly will take Bergeron's place on the second line, and rookie Tyler Seguin will make his first career playoff appearance to fill Kelly's vacant spot on the third line.

The Lightning are a great offensive team with several veterans who won the Stanley Cup in 2004 in Tampa; including Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier.

It will be a great East Finals, follow all the Game 1 action right here.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist, follow him on Twitter for Bruins/NHL playoff coverage.