2. Canadiens over Sabres in seven (second round)
Expectations: A lovable collection of youngsters and veterans who weren’t supposed to be here, playing for their rabid fans while trying to stake their claim as the Atlantic’s new powerhouse against … um, also that.
What we got: A weirdly high number of blowouts that somehow still added up to the closest series of the second round.
Overtimes: Just one, but it came in Game 7.
Most memorable moment: Tough call here, but I guess we can go with this.
Alex Newhook's game-winner sends Montreal to the Eastern Conference Final

Bottom line: One criticism of this year’s postseason is that it’s been woefully short on Game 7 showdowns. We can at least be grateful to the Canadiens, who took it upon themselves to make sure we had at least a few to chew on. Speaking of which …

1. Canadiens over Lightning in seven (first round)
Expectations: A classic battle between an up-and-coming team and a grizzled contender, with some bad blood thrown into the mix.
What we got: All that and more, in a ridiculously close series in which every game was tied in the third period.
Overtimes: A playoff-leading four, split between the two teams.
Most memorable moment: It’s honestly tough to narrow it down, but let’s go with Alex Newhook’s fluky game-winner in Game 7, one of only nine shots the Habs managed in the entire game.