MONTREAL (AP) — The Montreal Canadiens have finally earned respect during a remarkable playoff run that has them in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 28 years. Next up: the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning, who host Game 1 on Monday night. Montreal had the worst record of the 16 playoff qualifiers before eliminating Toronto, Winnipeg and Vegas. Forward Artturi Lehkonen is up for the challenge by saying to be the best, the Canadiens have to beat the best. The Lightning eliminated Florida and Carolina before needing a 1-0 win in Game 7 to oust the New York Islanders.
