I absolutely adore the NHL playoffs. There's nothing like it in sports, in my humble opinion. It makes the NHL regular season feel like exhibition games.
Now that we're in the second round, and since it's all about me, here are the series I'm digging and not digging and the exciting reasons why.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
This is my favourite series right now, because it includes both my favourite remaining team and my least favourite remaining team. I hope the Pens crush the Habs and show no mercy. If I were building a team from scratch, I'd pick Sidney Crosby first overall.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins
This is my least favourite series right now, primarily because I despise both teams. Can they both lose?
I'm watching game one right now and rooting softly for Philadelphia, so I can stop hearing about Tuukka Rask.
San Jose Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings
I grew up just hating the Detroit Red Wings. It was the Norris Division rivalry, and I couldn't stand them. Then, with guys I liked like Brendan Shanahan and Steve Yzerman leading the charge, it became harder and harder to hate them. Today, I don't mind them at all, and I sort of like watching the Sharks falter spring after spring.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The next Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup has to be my Leafs. As a result, I'm physically incapable of actually rooting for the Canucks. 40% of my playoff pool plays for Vancouver, so I don't mind them going another round, but that's it.
But Chelsea Dagger is a great tune, so in this series, I'll just root for overtime every game.
