Playoffs!? We're talking about playoffs!?

Well its that time of year again everybody, 82 games down, 16 teams left, and the hockey bonanza that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs starts wednesday. The NHL's second season is an interesting one, without a true clear favourite to win this year. Hockey win more intensity, physical play, and just all out hatred is what we have got in store for the next two months. Personally, I'm just pumped about continuous OT as my hatred for the shootout has grown to an all time high after yesterdays Philadelphia, New York game. The fact that a playoff spot was determined by a skills competition between three skaters and a goalie is garbage (and if you think I'm pissed, ask a Rangers fan), bottom line, in special circumstances like a game on the last day of the season, a continuous OT should be played to decide the outcome of the TEAM sport. I mean realistically, last night Claude Giroux beat Henrik Lundqvist, the Philadelphia Flyers didn't beat the New York Rangers.

All complaining aside, we have out playoff picks for the first round. If I have to go with a pick for either conference right now, I'll go with Washington in the East and an undecided between Chicago and Vancouver in the west. Here's what we are thinking for the first round:

Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

#1 Washington Capitals vs #8 Montreal Canadiens 

The Lowdown- Ok let's be honest here, the Presidents trophy winning Caps against the hot and cold, very small, Montreal Canadiens is a mismatch to say the least. Superior firepower versus Jarovlav Halak. Only way Montreal wins a game is if Halak stands on his head and the Capitals weak goaltending rears its' ugly head. The Capitals biggest weakness won't be called on until the 2nd round.

Pick: Washington in 5

#2 New Jersey Devils vs #7 Philadelphia Flyers

The Lowdown- Get ready for war ladies and gents. Division rivals who have an extreme amount of hatred for each other, count on fights, cheap shots, and little gatherings after almost every whistle. But once the brawls are done with, the Devils take over. Superior at almost every position, watch for Ilya Kovalchuk to break out. The Flyers have had a good run, and will compete with New Jersey, but take the devils in a long series.

Pick: New Jersey in 7

#3 Buffalo Sabres vs #6 Boston Bruins

The Lowdown- If you are a fan of goal scoring, don't watch this series. 2 of the lowest scoring teams in the NHL versus the goalies with the two lowest GAA (Rask and Miller). That is even without mentioning Tim Thomas (last years Vezina winner) backing up Rask. This one is going to be physical too, expect Zdeno Chara to do everything in his power to end Thomas Vanek's life, and for Ryan Miller to get a series long view of Milan Lucic's backside. Boston knows the only way to beat Ryan Miller is to get pressure and traffic on net, so expect Lucic to park himself in front of the net on his first shift and not move until a team wins 4 games. I just don't feel the Sabres will be able to keep up with the Bruins physical onslaught. UPSET ALERT!

Pick: Bruins in 7

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs #5 Ottawa Senators

The Lowdown- Ottawa Senator fans have a small voice in the back of their heads' these days, and it is quietly saying SWEEEEEEEEEEP! Which is very realistic against the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Either than their 13 game winning streak in January, Ottawa has been a .500 hockey club, and now with Alex Kovalev out, this ship is sinking. FAST!

Pick- Pittsburgh in 4

Western Conference Quarter Finals

#1 San Jose Sharks vs #8 Colorado Avalanche

The Lowdown- Playoff choke artists (and they are damn good at it too) versus the kids. Colorado pretty much backed into the playoffs on account that Calgary sucks, and San Jose has had its' own troubles this year too, but in this series, Colorado is severely outclassed. Colorado may be the future in the West, and its a major accomplishment to even make it this far, but let's be honest, the Sharks have too much fire power.

Pick: San Jose in 5

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs #7 Nashville Predators

The Lowdown- I'm still not sure how the Predators do it every year. You look down their roster and outside the name Shea Weber, no one sticks out as a true star, but every year Nashville is somehow in the playoffs. Unfortunately this one will be a quick trip to the dance, cause Chicago is too good. Toews and co. will be all over the Predators like the Oilers were on losing this year (But we do love you Pat Quinn). Superior at pretty much every position, Chicago should cruise through this round, cause there are only so many times Shea Weber can put a puck through the net.

Pick: Chicago in 5

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs #6 Los Angeles Kings

The Lowdown- This is going to be a good one. The Sedin twins and Luongo versus Doughty, Smyth and Kopitar is going to make for some great hockey. The Kings goaltending issues will nab them in the end (The Kings are a goalie away from competing for the Cup), but expect a long, close, entertaining series.

Pick: Vancouver in 7

#4 Pheonix Coyotes vs #5 Detroit Red Wings

The Lowdown- Ok Pheonix, the party stops here. You have had you cinderella run (built off 20 shootout wins) but the shootout is gone and Adrian Aucoin is nothing more than a 3rd or 4th defenceman. Cause now you have to face a veteran Red Wings team who is just catching their stride. If Jimmy Howard plays well, the Red Wings could do some serious damage in these playoffs. Oh and, Pheonix, it's nothing personal, you are just overrated, I will cheer for you when you are back in Winnipeg. LET'S GO JETS!!

Pick: Detroit in 6