Well, here it is: the NHL Playoffs! This is the "real" season, where everything is on the line, where hockey is played at its best, and where a Stanley Cup champion will be crowned. Let's have a quick look at each series:

San Jose (1) - Anaheim (8): This will be a very physical series as both teams like this kind of game. Technically, the Sharks should win this one, but never underestimate the experience of the Ducks.

Vancouver (3) - St. Louis (6): This should be a no-brainer. The Canucks have everything going their way, especially in nets. It's nice to see the Blues back in the playoffs after a great run at the end of the season, but their dreams won't be going any farther than the first round.

Chicago (4) - Calgary (5): After a 7-year absence, the Hawks are back in the playoffs. They also have home ice advantage in this series and they were very hard to beat all season long on their ice. The experience or lack of should not hurt Chicago in the first round as the kids will be pumped. And if Khabibulin is back in the playoffs groove he was in when he was in Tampa Bay, the Hawks could be a surprise.

Detroit (2) - Columbus (7) - It's good for the city of Columbus to have their team in the playoffs, but their first opponent will not be fun to play. Detroit has tons of playoffs experience and they will eliminate the Blue Jackets.

Boston (1) - Montreal (8): The Big Bad Bruins were a force all year, and the Canadiens did not beat them once in regulation all year. Montreal cannot stand the physical play, and Boston thrives hitting their opponent. Mark my words: Lucic will be the name you will hear the most in this series. Boston will go on to play the second round.

New Jersey (3) - Carolina (6): The Hurricanes had a great end to the season, and they could be the team mixing the cards in the East. They will be playing a very seasoned team (and goalie) in the New Jersey Devils. This will be a good series, and one of the hardest to pick in the first round.

Philadelphia (5) - Pittsburgh (4): The Flyers missed home ice advantage by a single point. But that should not change anything. For some reasons, the Penguins have a hard time playing the Flyers. Crosby will be a target for the whole series, and his big mouth will put his team in trouble. If Malkin doesn't play to his full potential, Pittsburgh will be playing golf soon.

Washington (2) - New York (7): The speedy, skilled Capitals, with their super-sniper, Ovechkin, should win this one. The only question: goaltending. If Theodore plays like he can, there will be no problems, but if he doesn't, and Lundqvist plays on his head, we could see the Rangers moving to the second round. But I doubt it.

Stay tuned for more on the playoffs, and enjoy the best hockey of the season!