Playoff Time: NHL Style!

Here in my neck of the woods, the CHL semifinals will begin this week, but the focus of the ice hockey world is focused on the NHL conference quarterfinals.

In the West, the Canucks proved all season that they could be the favorites throughout the playoffs. Roberto Luongo (pictured) is always solid in goal, and the type of performance is what could get the Canucks into Cup mode. Remember, no Canadian franchise since the '92-93 Habs has hoisted Lord Stanley.

The defending Cup champ Blackhawks struggled, but managed to get in the playoffs after a loss on Sunday to the Wings, but had help when the Wild downed the Stars 5-3, eliminating the Stars from playoff contention for the third straight year.

In the East, the Lightning returns to the playoffs after poor seasonal records the past few seasons. They will be the fourth seed as they take on the Pens.

The Habs will be the other Canadian team in the postseason, as they'll be the 6th seed taking on the Bruins in the first round.

With that in mind...the matchups.

WEST quarterfinals
(1) Canucks v (8) Blackhawks begins 4/13
(4) Ducks v (5) Predators begin 4/13
(3) Red Wings v (6) Coyotes begin 4/13
(2) Sharks v (7) Kings begin 4/14

EAST quarterfinals
(1) Capitals v (8) Rangers begin 4/13
(4) Penguins v (5) Lightning begin 4/13
(3) Bruins v (6) Canadiens begin 4/14
(2) Flyers v (7) Sabres begin 4/14

Let the playoffs begin! Of course they'll be on CBC, TSN, Versus, NBC, and various RSN's and possibly NHL Network, so consult your local listings!