The underdog keeps jumping on top of the bodies it leaves behind.

Montreal, a team only the most wishful thinking die hard Habs fans thought could get anywhere, beat Las Vegas 4-2. It’s an incredible story, it’s hard to believe anyone got this year’s bracket 100% right and very few would put down this Cup match up.

It’s the team in last vs the team in first. As much of a surprise it is to see Montreal here, Tampa Bay has been the expected finalist from the jump. The Islanders fought hard against Tampa and got close, a tremendous effort. Montreal vs Islanders would have been amazing. One team who last won the Cup in 1993 and the other in 1983.

Every single round, no one thought Montreal would win. They swept Winnipeg in Round 2. Now against Tampa, the odds haven’t changed. The hands down favorite is Tampa and rightfully so. I don’t think Tampa will run them over, these playoffs have proved that. It’s going to be a hard series that I think will go 6 games. Goal tending will be clutch. If Carey Price can keep his magic going, this series will forever be etched in the history books. I’d like to se Montreal keep Tampa from being back to back champions.

I completely lost track of time and missed writing about the second round which completed last night.

Las Vegas beat Colorado 4-2. I thought this one would go seven games but something fell apart inside Colorado. Looked like the killer instinct came through only for Vegas.

NY Islanders beat Boston 4-2. Another series I thought was going seven games, the Islanders successfully smothered Boston. Outside of their killer first line, Boston doesn’t have as much offensive options. Islanders played to that weakness and is a good indicator that Barry Trotz out coached Bruce Cassidy.

Tampa Bay beat Carolina 4-1. This was a solid beating. Carolina came in with a lot of wind in their sails and Tampa didn’t think much of it. I was thinking six game series and Tampa was in no mood. They are riding a serious Defending Stanley Cup Champions wave that doesn’t look like it’s going to stop.

Montreal beat Winnipeg 4-0. Montreal is the Cinderella story of the season and crushing Winnipeg sends the message: everyone stop underestimating us. With the only sweep of this round, Montreal gets the biggest break between games. It’s also sorely needed, the team played an insane amount of games to end the regular season and into a late start, rapid fire post-season schedule for the North division.

We now have the final four.

I’m rooting for the Islanders. It’s been a long time since they’ve won the Cup and it’s the most local team to me. A Canadian team hasn’t won in ages either, so the underdog story for them is the strongest. No one thought they would make it through the first round against Toronto but here they are. So they say the same thing about beating Vegas. It certainly won’t be easy, but I think Montreal has a good chance. With a good amount of time to rest and prepare, Montreal will be ready. Vegas can’t let their guard down or they are going to get into trouble. I can see this going 6 games.

In comparison, the Islanders are better matched up against Tampa Bay. This series should be incredibly intense. I know Trotz is going to come up with every game plan imaginable for this series and he’s going to need that extra edge to get his team the win. This will not be an easy round for either team. At least 6 games, I wouldn’t be surprised to go 7.

I’d say the betting odds are for a Vegas/Tampa Bay Finals but as of now I’m leaning towards Vegas/Islanders.