2021 featured a shortened NHL season, and yet the January start feels like an entire lifetime ago. It was just six months ago, in fact, and now we have just two weeks remaining before the champion will be crowned. One member of the 2019-20 Columbus Blue Jackets will hoist the Cup at the end, either Josh Anderson or David Savard.
Tampa is Tampa, and the defending champions are the heavy favorites. Montreal, on the other hand, was one of the worst playoff teams in the regular season, but have thrived under pressure in the postseason, especially against the talent-heavy Toronto and Vegas lineups.
Not surprisingly, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Carey Price have been the most outstanding goalies of the playoffs. While Tampa has the top four highest point-getters, Montreal has played a more balanced, team-focused defensive game. Players like Tyler Toffoli and smol goal boi Cole Caufield have proven very effective at scoring timely goals.
Here is the schedule:
Game 1: Mon. June 28: Canadiens at Lightning, 8 p.m. ET (NBCSN / Peacock)
Game 2: Wed. June 30: Canadiens at Lightning, 8 p.m. ET (NBCSN / Peacock)
Game 3: Fri. July 2: Lightning at Canadiens, 8 p.m. ET (NBC / Peacock)
Game 4: Mon. July 5: Lightning at Canadiens, 8 p.m. ET (NBC / Peacock)
*Game 5: Wed. July 7: Canadiens at Lightning, 8 p.m. ET (NBC / Peacock)
*Game 6: Fri. July 9: Lightning at Canadiens, 8 p.m. ET (NBC / Peacock)
*Game 7: Sun. July 11: Canadiens at Lightning, 7 p.m. ET (NBC / Peacock)
Who is your pick to win?
Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup?
| Lightning in 4 | 1 |
| Lightning in 5 | 15 |
| Lightning in 6 | 21 |
| Lightning in 7 | 2 |
| Canadiens in 4 | 0 |
| Canadiens in 5 | 1 |
| Canadiens in 6 | 13 |
| Canadiens in 7 | 8 |
Who would you rather see win the Cup this year?
| David Savard | 46 |
| Josh Anderson | 24 |