It's That Time! Stanley Cup Playoffs!

It's that time again.

Even though the Stars, with first year coach Glen Gulutzan, missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season, there are some stories to talk about regarding this year's playoffs.

Two of the biggest stories in this NHL postseason are those of the Blues and Panthers. The Blues' ending their playoff-less draught by earning a number 2 seed in the west (won the Central division) and will play the Sharks in the first round. The Panthers however, had a long-standing suffering of their own. Twelve years since their last playoff run, and the Southeastern division champions will have the Devils in the first round. Time to bring out the rats out of hibernation, eh?

For the second straight year, the Canucks are the number 1 seed in the west, while the Rangers are the number one seed in the East, for the first time in eons. The defending Stanley Cup champ Bruins (Atlantic division champs) will host the Caps in the first round.

FIRST ROUND (best of seven)

WEST
(1) Canucks v (8) Kings
(4) Predators v (5) Red Wings
(3) Coyotes v (6) Blackhawks
(2) Blues v (7) Sharks

EAST
(1) Rangers v (8) Senators
(4) Penguins v (5) Flyers
(3) Panthers v (6) Devils
(2) Bruins v (7) Capitals

All the games are televised, on cable via TSN, NBC Sports Network, CNBC and NHL Network (in both US and Canada) and on CBC and NBC as well.

Quick SCF prediction: Blues/Rangers. Bank on it!