I wouldn't say a sweep was expected, but no doubt Edmonton was expected to win. (Really, the '88 Stanley Cup was won the night of April 21st, 1988, in game two of the Calgary series. Never any doubt after that OT goal by Gretzky.)
Anyway, I was a bit nervous in game one because it was tight. But Boston just didn't generate enough offense, although they did slow down the Oilers' attack. However, the effort of doing so shut down their own offense.
Game two, Boston said they would direct the play and attack more... and failed, putting only 12 shots on Fuhr.
Game three at the Gah-den was a walkover by Edmonton. But at least Boston got some shots.
(the original) Game four was going fairly well for Boston early in the 2nd, but the Oilers had just tied it seconds before the power failed.
Game four again back in Edmonton was a walkover again, the outcome never in doubt despite a sluggish 1st period by Edmonton. Once the Oilers woke up late in the first, Boston was swept aside like a gnat.
Gretzky was a bit good in this series: Game 1 - opens the scoring (one of only two goals by Edmonton); Game 2 - scores 1 goal and 2 assists, including the game-winner late in the third; Game 3 -- four assists in Boston; Game 4.0 - two assists through 36 minutes; Game 4.1 - scores 1 goal (Cup winner) and 2 assists. In total, Wayne got a point on 13 of 21 Edmonton goals in the series, including two game winning goals.