It’s the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs…. Who better to turn to for expert analysis on the NHL? Collectively, the Doin Work writers have the ice hockey knowledge of an entire nation. (And when I say nation, I’m thinking somewhere like Nepal or Brunei Darussalam) Chappy and I played a lot of NHL 94 on Sega back in the day. Dyslecix and I did fantasy hockey league in 2006. (We finished first and third, respectively) Now that you’re clued in on the level of expertise we’re dealing with here, let’s get into the matchups….

CAMPBELL CONFERENCE

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks – The Blackhawks are the defending champs I believe. They were a pretty good checking team on NHL 94 on Sega, so you know opposing teams will be intimidated. The Canucks, however, had the best record in the league, proving that they’ve overcome the loss of superstar Pavel Bure, and more importantly, his wife, DJ Tanner (or was that the other Bure?) Canucks in 6

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings – The Sharks have arguably the most rabid fan base of people who’ve never touched a hockey stick. The Kings might be a close second, if they had more fans. I’d imagine the Sharks will make quick work of the Kings, since David Stern will surely step in and have this series fixed, in order to make sure nothing interferes with any scheduling of Lakers’ playoff games. Sharks in 5

Detroit Red Wings vs. Phoenix Coyotes – One city a storied hockeytown, the other a place where no hockey game was ever played prior to 1996 probably. Shane Doan’s pretty good, because I’ve heard of him. It probably won’t be enough to beat the Wings with Steve Yzerman though. He IS still on the team right? Red Wings in 5

Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators – The Predators are in the postseason for the 6th time in 7 years… not bad for a 12 year old expansion team in Tennessee. The Ducks are also no stranger to the postseason…. not bad for a team who’s first coach was Emilio Estevez. The Ducks seem poised to make one last run deep into the playoffs, as they enjoy their last season as sole tenants of The Pond, before the NBA team comes in and takes over the place. Ducks in 7

PRINCE OF WALES CONFERENCE

Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers – There are a few things we know about these two teams. Ovechkin is pretty good. Okay, make that one thing we know about these two teams. Good enough for me! Capitals in 5

Philadelpha Flyers vs. Buffalo Sabres – I saw a Tweet somewhere online that said Buffalo is the second hottest team in hockey right now. That tells you something. They also play in Buffalo, and since they have to put up with the Bills, I’m rooting for them. I’m sure fans of “The Office” are too. They’re a lock for a first round upset if you ask me. Sabres in 7

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens – This is a great matchup of cities that are unlike the rest of their respective countries. Montreal is more like France than Canada, and Boston is more like Russia than the United States. On the ice though, these guys are all from the same place: Hockeyville. If I recall, these two teams had a pretty heated series last season. (Upon further review, they didn’t even play each other last year. Boston swept Montreal two years ago).  Canadiens in 7

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning – I can’t believe I’m still talking about hockey. I don’t even care anymore at this point. Every 4 or 5 years, I’ll get into hockey and get on the Sharks’ bandwagon and watch their playoff games, but this isn’t one of those years. It isn’t one of those years for the Tampa Bay faithful either. Penguins in 4