Lord Stanley

It's a secret that no one tries to keep, much like professional hockey itself. Actually, we hockey fans say it every year, right around this time, but when we do, we're already talking about hockey, so you've probably stopped listening. Anyway, here it is: hockey has the best playoffs of any sport. I'm not here to prove it to you, and I won't even try too hard to convince you, but those of use who have been through a full marathon of the Stanley Cup playoffs know that there's nothing like it. With a few game 1s already done, I'll offer up a few thoughts on this year's tournament.

The East
1. Montreal Canadiens vs. 8. Boston Bruins
Montreal did something gutsy at the trade deadline. While most contenders were vying for a big name to add, the Canadiens traded their backup goaltender for a second round draft pick. For those of you who understand metaphors better than hockey, that's like trading all the eggs in your second basket, leaving you with one basket that looks really promising, but that you've never taken on a long journey before. That basket, Carey Price, is a rookie. He's been good, really good, so far, but now it's the playoffs, and all kinds of things can happen. If he rides the faith put in him, the Canadiens could go far. If he falters, they have no chance.

Running start for him and them: Habs in 5

2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 7. Ottawa Senators
For all of last year, and the start of this one, the Senators were the bullies of Canada. At present, they seem to have consolidated into a speed bump in the path of a herd of frolicking penguins. Those penguins are getting their first real taste of life among the big creatures. If they can stay united and keep their beaks sharp, they will do well. The goalie sitch seems to favor them, but if that turns, so could the series.

Probably not though: Pens in 6

3. Washington Capitals vs. 6. Philadelphia Flyers
Battle of the comeback kids. 3-6 matchups can be misleading because the Caps earned the 3 spot by winning their division, not by having the 3rd most points. Still, they have one utterly relentless Russian, a player who was the game's best some years ago, and a goalie, who up until the trade deadline was the backup for Montreal. Philly can bully, and has some sunshine in the future. They'll do their best to push Ovechkin around, but he's a kid in a candy store.

Caps in 7

4. New Jersey Devils vs. 5. New York Rangers
Oh man. I really can't separate my personal feelings from any analysis of this series. The Devils are my team. Martin Brodeur is my favorite player on any team in any sport. New Jersey is an exceptionally well run franchise, and that makes me happy. Late-ish in the season, the Devils were 1st in the East, at least for a day or two, and that also makes me happy.
But I just can't help thinking that this series belongs to the Devils' biggest rival. It just makes sense. The Rangers play in the biggest market, have imported and home-grown star power, and play in a building that is aching for success (and no, firing Isiah Thomas doesn't count as success... WHAT? THEY STILL HAVEN'T FIRED HIM?). The Devils are notorious for turning hockey into what one opposing coach once called a "chess match." Now I love chess and the Devils, but they do need a little more speed and scoring touch. Maybe a first round loss would be a kick in the pants for them. As for the Strangers, it's their time to channel their considerable talent into a playoff run. Something to get New York excited.
Still, I'd just love to see Brodeur steal this thing and go on another magical playoff run.

That's enough for now. Hockey's an acquired taste. Go out there and acquire it.