Well, about 10 games to go in the season, and the first round of the playoffs are starting. Although the season is not over yet, it has been a great one, with the expected surprises and disappointments. Here are a few surprises:

1. Boston Bruins first in the East - many experts said the Bruins wouldn't even be in the playoffs. Right now, depending on the Devils, they may end up first in the East!

2. Chicago Blackhawks - some experts saw them around 10th place in the West. The Hawks proved them wrong.

3. Martin Brodeur - who would have said that Brodeur would get hurt for 50 straight games in his career? Well, he got hurt, came back better than ever, and beat Patrick Roy's record for most wins.

And here with some disappointments:

1. Ottawa Senators - experts saw them in the playoffs, in the middle of the pack in the East. As it stands right now, and which will probably stay, they won't make the playoffs. Huge disappointment for Ottawa fans, especially with the amount of money they pay some of their underachieving stars.

2. Montreal Canadiens - they were supposed to be in the top three in the East. Right now, they sit at 8th and last playoff spot. Something happened to this team at the mid-season mark, and they haven't gotten over it yet. Expect major changes during the off-season, especially if they are out of the playoffs.

Pickshack will provide you with Playoffs picks and their predictions for all series. Stay tuned!

Shackjr.