NHL Playoffs: There's Never Been a Better Time To Be a Hockey Fan

If you've been following the NHL playoffs so far this year, there is probably nothing else you would rather be doing than dropping everything to watch hockey. Let's be honest, I'm like that most of the year, but the playoffs are different. They're what really matter the most.

I love every second of playoff hockey. Watching the fans erupt when they see the puck hit the back of the net, the players jumping on top of each other as if every goal they score will win them the cup and the tension of overtime making you sweat even if you're not watching your favorite team play. There's just nothing like it.

How could you not be pulled in to the grandeur that is springtime in the NHL, with an 8th seed team beating a 1st seed in a wild game seven, second-rate players stepping up their games to join the league's elite, and the hitting, the sweet, sweet hitting. If post-whistle brawls and players jumping against the glass gets your heart racing, then the playoffs are your heaven. So who's going to win the cup this year? I have no idea, but let's break it down.

Buffalo, Washington and Phoenix are out. What!? I know, crazy right? Washington was the top team during the regular season, outscoring opponents by close to 20 goals per game (not really, but sometimes it felt like it) and took the league by storm. After four games in their series against the 8th seed (8th seed!!) Canadiens they were up 3-1 and looked poised to move on easily to the next round. Then they fell apart, lost the next three games and got bounced from the playoffs.

Buffalo was great the whole season fueled by the most ridiculous stat of all time: they didn't even surrender a single point when leading after two periods. Their goalie Ryan Miller was at his best even in the playoffs and they got beat. Badly, if you ask me. Phoenix was playing Detroit who is a very solid team all the way through, but they had momentum on their side leading up to the postseason and just couldn't close the deal. So, what does this all mean? It means nothing is for sure in the NHL playoffs, and nothing is going to be achieved without over-the-top hard work.

Joe Pavelski has 9 goals and sits on top of the stat charts in that respect. Who could have called that one? Jaroslav Halak is pretty much a sure pick for the Conn Smythe Trophy and it's only the second round! The best players in the league are the ones who shine when it counts, namely the playoffs. Sid the Kid is leading the Penguins in their quest for a second-straight title. It's possible they could do it, but I'm starting to doubt their chances when there's eight teams left, all of which are serious cup-contenders.

Speaking of cup-contenders, San Jose and Vancouver have been known to flop in the playoffs but it's starting to look as though this could be their year. The Sharks have depth and it's starting to pay off, and the Canucks are playing some great hockey, showing the Hawks that they're not going to go without a fight. The Bruins are riding on so much momentum they might blow past the Flyers without even noticing. I really don't know who to root for anymore!

What it really boils down to this year is who wants it more. Who's hungrier for the cup? The team that plays their heart out will be the one raising the cup in a few weeks. That I know for sure.