NHL Playoffs

Is there a better day a year than today? No I don't mean Tax day in the USA, I'm talking about the first day of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The possibilities are endless for all 16 teams who start the second and most important season of the year. Will there be any Cinderella stories this year? Will an underachieving team through the regular season come to life now? What about a team who limped their way into the post season, will they bounce back and find their true form?

In the East:
#1 Boston Bruins vs #8 Montreal Canadiens
In a repeat match-up from last years first round the roles are reversed. Last year Montreal came in as the #2 seed and heavy favorites after going undefeated against the B's last season. This year Boston went 5-0-1 against Montreal and are the big favorites not only in this series, but in the Eastern Conference. I think (albeit a biased opinion) the Bruins will take the series in 5 or 6 games.

#2 Washington Capitals vs #7 New York Rangers
I got my wish of not having to play the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Washington's offense is much more potent than NYR having scored 62 more goals in the regular season. With Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin leading the way up front and Mike Green patrolling the blue line I think there is only one way the Rangers will win this series; Jose Theodore lays an egg and Henrik Lundqvist plays out of his mind at the other end for the entire series.

#3 New Jersey Devils vs #6 Carolina Hurricanes
This series will be a great one to watch in my eyes. Both teams have great leadership in the dressing room and have been deep in the playoffs recently. Will the Devils find their game that had them in contention for the #1 overall seed for most of the season? If they do then I think they can win the series in 5 games. But what if the Devils play like they did the last 15 games or so? Where they appeared to shut it down and limp into the playoffs, if that happens then look for Carolina to take it in 6.

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs #5 Philadelphia Flyers
Oh boy did the Flyers drop the ball on the last day of the regular season or what? All they needed was to hang on for one more game and they would have had home ice for the series. Instead they allow the Penguins to come into their building, win the game and take home ice from them. The Pens are one of the hottest teams in the league right now going 18-3-4 in their last 25 games. With Malkin and Crosby leading the way, I think the Penguins are a very dangerous team to play now.

And In the West:
#1 San Jose Sharks vs #8 Anaheim Ducks
The Sharks, winner's of the President's Trophy this season, are so deep everywhere you look this season. It's tough to go against them in this first round battle. Although if anyone can knock them off it is the Ducks. With guys like Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan leading the way they're a very dangerous team to play against. Factor in Joe Thornton's inability to be a big time player in the playoffs in years past and an upset may be brewing. But don't bet on it. I think San Jose will squeak past the Ducks in 6.

#2 Detroit Red Wings vs #7 Columbus Blue Jackets
The obvious favorite for most people would be the Red Wings, however the Blue Jackets played the Wings tight all season. The Blue Jackets freshed face playoff outlook may not know the Goliath they are up against. Steve Mason was one of the best goalies in the league as a rookie and I think it will take it to another level in his first ever playoff series. But how can you really argue against the defending Cup champs and all the talent they have? I think Detroit will take the series in 7 games.

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs #6 St. Louis Blues
Two of the hottest 2nd half teams in the league play each other in the first round and I bet 6 other Western Conference teams are happy they don't have to see either one of them first thing in the playoffs. The Blues have the NHL's best 2nd half record at 25-9-7, while the Canucks were 23-7-2 in their last 32 games. Talk about a great playoff match-up. I don't know who will walk away with this one, I think it's going to go all 7 games. If Roberto Luongo can play up to his expectations he's a very tough goalie to beat, but don't forget about Chris Mason in net for the Blues who has been unbelievable as of late to help the Blues with their late season playoff run.

#4 Chicago Blackhawks vs #5 Calgary Flames
This is another series that will be a great one to watch. I keep going back and forth on who I think will win. Calgary has the playoff experience, but they also had a bad end to the season. Jarome Iginla hasn't been as dominate as he has been in seasons past and Olli Jokinen has been a non factor since he was traded there. On the other side Chicago has virtually no playoff experience, but may be able to ride Nikolai Khabibulin thru this series. Also Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane can be incredible together along with a great supporting cast, they may be able to blow past the Flames.

So there you have it folks! The first round of the playoffs starts tonight. The anticipation is better than Christmas Eve when you wonder what you may unwrap the next morning.