Wanted: Excitement in the 2008 NHL Playoffs

Being an Ottawa Senators fan, and knowing my team was no longer in the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, I promised myself I would stay interested and actively watch the rest of the playoffs, mainly because as an Ottawa fan I hadn't seen decent hockey since Christmas. (rimshot)

However with the exception of round one, this has perhaps been the most boring post-season since the lockout—two sweeps in three series where a team went up 3-0 (essentially the equivalent of a sweep) and no real Cinderella teams in the third round.

Perhaps one thing that makes it so uneventful is the absence of a Canadian team in the third round, the first time that has happened since the lockout thanks to the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators.

However, I am not one of those Canadians that subscribe the theory that I have to cheer for a Canadian team. In fact, I usually do the opposite (thank you Philadelphia).

But despite not cheering for a Canadian team, I do think the absence of Canuck representation takes away some of the excitement and passion.

When the Sens were down 3-0 to Pittsburgh I hung my hopes (foolishly) on the recurring theme of 33 years.

Only two teams have ever come back from being down 3-0 in the playoffs, the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 New York Islanders—33 years apart.

Which brings us to 2008, 33 years later, when I figure someone is due.

I don't particularly care who makes it to the Stanley Cup Finals, though I have a bit of a distaste for Pittsburgh, but most importantly I just want the playoffs to be exciting.

So with Dallas and Philly winning their respective game fours, I am hoping at the very least to get to watch a game seven in this round, even if the 33-year streak doesn't continue.

It's hard to say who the most likely candidate to force game seven might be.

Philly finally showed some passion and physicality in their game last night but they have some key injuries.

As much as I loathe Steve Downie, I am crushing on Mike Richards, the guy is a power forward the likes of which Sens fans have been dreaming about for 15 years.

In Dallas I can't help but think things are a bit dimmer. A horrendous call in game four might have been the Stars saving grace and the Wings simply have too much talent to roll over at this point.

With their best player, Brendan Morrow, clearly playing hurt, it is doubtful the Stars can muster up three more wins.

Most of all I am just looking for some entertaining hockey, a little passion, and some drama to soothe the pain of a nightmare season in Ottawa.