Well, I noticed that there were quite a few people who enjoyed talking about hockey in the "Why don't Americans like Hockey?" thread, so I decided to make this thread, so we could discuss the first round. The schedule for all 8 series are here. Four of the series begin tomorrow night, or afternoon for me since I'm on the West Coast, and I couldn't be more excited, even though my team, the Canucks, aren't in it. I just hate that exams start next week (damn University!). 

I'm personally cheering for Washington. I'm interested in seeing how Ovechkin fares in his first playoff experience. I just wish it wasn't against Philly, seeing as how they almost took out half the league this year, lol. 

There's a couple of intriguing match-ups, specifically the Original 6 matchup between Montreal and Boston. In recent history, Montreal has beat the Bruins twice in the playoffs, and beat them 8 times this season......can they continue their dominance? Or will Boston pull off an upset?

Ottawa and Pittsburgh meet again this year, with their roles reversed. Ottawa is now the underdog. Can Ottawa shed themselves of their horrible 2nd half, and rebound? Or will they continue their collapse? Will Malkin step up and take charge, like he did during the regular season?

Calgary and San Jose also interests me.......since I want Calagry to get beat so bad, lol. Great goaltending matchup between the 2 teams, and Team Canada teammates Thornton and Iginla face off. Owen Nolan returns to face the team he captained. 

So, did your team make it in? Who are you cheering for? What do you think about the different series?

Im originally from San Jose so I'll be rooting for the Sharks in that match up... though I've always loved the flames just because of that short badass named Theron Fluery

Montreal will sweep Boston. I will be absolutly stunned if the series is longer than 5 games.

Go Boston!

Eastern Conference

Montreal vs Boston - Montreal Sweeps
Pittsburg vs Ottawa - Pittsburg in 6
Washington vs Philly - Washington in 5
Devils vs Rangers - Rangers in 7

Western Conference

Detroit vs Nashville - Detroit in 5
San Jose vs Calgary - San Jose in 5
Minnesota vs Colorado - Colorado in 6
Anaheim vs Dallas - Anaheim sweeps

Yeah, I always liked Fleury too. So small, yet so feisty. Sucks how he couldn't come back though. Many lives have been ruined by alcohol.

@AJ
Did you guys really dominate them that badly during the season? I mean, I know it was 8-0, but were there any close games, or OT/SO wins for you guys? Maybe a fluke goal in the playoffs will allow them to steal a couple games?

@rendo
The only prediction that I would go against is the Colorado/Minni series (I'm just talking about the winning team, not the number of games........I don't like predicting that). I think Gaborik will go wild on Theodore, and Backstrom will continue to be on fire.

I'll be watching Minnesota take on Colorado. The loss of Nick Schultz will hurt but the Wild are just playing outstanding hockey as of late with Gaborik tearing it up and Backstrom providing some very clutch goaltending.

Just for the record Ottawa will kick some crazy butt.

What happened to schultz? And is Foster gone for the year?

Edit: Apenda-something. That sucks for you guys. And I didn't realize Foster's femur snapped. Ouch. 

im from ottawa. i want ottawa to win but i also want a million dollars so... ya. i think that the final game will be washington and san jose. washington will inevitably win.