The Montreal Canadiens and the Anaheim Ducks already have their first chance to finish up the first round.
These two clubs on opposite ends of the continent walked similar paths to get their respective 3-0 series advantages heading into Wednesday's games.
Both Montreal and Anaheim were regular-season powers that finished atop their divisions, but both were deemed vulnerable by many hockey pundits headed into playoff matchups against surging opponents.
Ottawa and Winnipeg were fashionable choices for surprise advancement, yet neither upstart has even managed to win a game.
Montreal has two straight overtime victories heading into Game 4, while Anaheim survived the withering blast of fan excitement in Winnipeg's first playoff game in 19 years to swipe a third straight comeback victory.