The first-round playoff series between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning has been nothing short of exciting and action packed, sprinkled with a little bit of controversy to top things off. Whether it has been a botched call that has ultimately favored the Canadiens, or the toughest play on one of the league’s top players that anyone has seen in a very long time, this series has revealed a lot about the two Atlantic Division teams and beyond. Here are five takeaways from the first three games of this Eastern Conference quarter-final matchup.

5. Consistent Goaltending Makes the Difference

The Canadiens have had the luxury of showcasing one of the NHL’s best goaltenders in Carey Price, whereas the Lightning have had to bring in the likes of both Anders Lindback and Kristers Gudlevskis due to Ben Bishop’s unfortunate injury. While the two Lightning goalies have struggled in their attempt to steal a game for their hockey club, nothing seems to faze Price. He is not only constantly calm, cool and collected, Price is playing cheeky hockey at the same time. More to come on that.

4. The New York Rangers May Have Won Their Deadline Trade With The Lightning

In his first ever playoff series as a member of the Lightning, Ryan Callahan has been absolutely invisible. Callahan is currently -4 in three games against the Canadiens, while Martin St. Louis has racked up a goal and two assists for the Rangers in just two playoff games against the Philadelphia Flyers.  This is detrimental for a Lightning team that has thrived under the direction of St. Louis in this situation in the past.

3. P.K. Subban Is The Most Underrated Defenseman In The NHL

Much of what the Canadiens have able to come up with offensively in this series has been orchestrated by Subban. The crafty defenseman has four assists in three games and continues to carry the Habs with the energy he exudes on a nightly basis. When talking about the best two-way players the NHL has to offer, Subban has to be a big part the discussion, taking pride in being a player that everyone seems to hate, but at the same time would love to have.

2. Price Has Been Toying With The Lightning

Let’s face it, the Lightning were robbed on Callahan’s goal that was ultimately waved off by a rookie referee that should have already been hitting the links this spring due to his lack of overall playoff experience. However, Price managed to draw up that play all by himself, as he did a great job selling the fact that a Lightning forward may or may not have bumped him out of position on the play. Not too much longer after that, Price realized that his teammates needed a breather and proceeded to convince the referee that he lost his edge. Price then took his time on the bench while his blades got a makeover from the trainer. That’s timely play by a very smart hockey player. Price is having more fun than anyone out there.

1. Steven Stamkos Can’t Do It All By Himself

When Stamkos returned from his injury late into the regular season, the Lightning were regarded as a definite contender for hockey’s ultimate prize. Stamkos was on absolute fire down the stretch and started off this series with two goals in Game 1.  However, the young star can’t do it all by himself. If the Lightning want to give themselves any chance at all at getting back into this series, the likes of Callahan and Valtteri Filppula are going to have to wake up and smell the coffee.