When the Tampa Bay Lightning were awarded their second Stanley Cup in franchise history on Monday night, the hockey world was generally filled with acceptance. They were — by some margin — the best team on paper and were able to dominate their way through the postseason.
Despite a couple of Joonas Korpisalo-shaped hurdles, the Lightning were able to look completely in control. Rolling their way through the four rounds completely nonchalant, resembling a quiet stroll through your local park, whistling their way to the Cup.
None of their series required the full seven games and it was only in the final against the Dallas Stars that they were defeated in the first match.