I think fans have been more realistic than pundits. I was listening to the NHL podcast, previewing the final and to no surprise they picked Tampa. The basically said Tampa is better in most categories.
Here is my belief, I thought the Islanders would win against the Lightning but I didn’t realize how much a factor “Rest” would be in this years playoffs. Normal playoffs are over in a couple weeks, maybe a month. They are creeping towards 3 months, with back to backs, and little days off. Islanders did Dallas a favor, by edging out a win and a forcing a couple double OT’s. Let’s not forget Tampa played “3 games in one” with that 5OT game. Columbus, Boston, and Islanders are pretty physical teams. Unfortunately for Tampa, Dallas is probably the biggest /most physical team from the west.