It's Spring and It's Stanley Cup Playoffs 2014 Time!

Every season there are some stories to chew on regarding the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including this weird new format. Nevermind on that.

For the first time in six seasons, the Stars are in the playoffs as they clinched the eighth and final spot in the West. Also the Avs are back for the first time in the postseason in a few seasons, surprising because when Patrick Roy took over as head coach, it was a major overhaul. And it worked. At least there will be playoffs in the Pepsi Center--but not the Nuggets!

In the east, the Jackets are finding life in their new digs. After a few seasons, they are back in the postseason fold. The Bolts also missed the playoffs last year, but bounced back this year.

However the biggest SCF story this year is the Habs. They are the only Canadian franchise in the big dance. The six others--including the Jets, Canucks and Senators--all missed the playoffs. Sad, considering that Lord Stanley was last won by the Habs in 1992-93, the last time it was done by a team north of the border.

With that in mind, the conference quarterfinal matchups:

(STOP! Before you proceed, they are best of seven)

(proceed.)

WEST
Quarterfinals
(C1) Avalanche v (W1) Wild
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.19
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.24
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

(C2) Blues v (C3) Blackhawks
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.19
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.23
Game 5 4.25*
Game 6 4.27*
Game 7 4.29*

(P1) Ducks v (W2) Stars
Game 1 4.16
Game 2 4.18
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.23
Game 5 4.25*
Game 6 4.27*
Game 7 4.29*

(P2) Sharks v (P3) Kings
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.20
Game 3 4.22
Game 4 4.24
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

EAST
Quarterfinals
(A1) Bruins v (W2) Red Wings
Game 1 4.18
Game 2 4.20
Game 3 4.22
Game 4 4.24
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

(A2) Lightning v (A3) Canadiens
Game 1 4.16
Game 2 4.18
Game 3 4.20
Game 4 4.22
Game 5 4.24*
Game 6 4.27*
Game 7 4.29*

(M1) Penguins v (W1) Blue Jackets
Game 1 4.16
Game 2 4.19
Game 3 4.21
Game 4 4.23
Game 5 4.26*
Game 6 4.28*
Game 7 4.30*

(M2) Rangers v (M3) Flyers
Game 1 4.17
Game 2 4.20
Game 3 4.22
Game 4 4.25
Game 5 4.27*
Game 6 4.29*
Game 7 4.30*

*-if necessary.

How to watch the games:

• In the US it is on NBC, NBCSN and CNBC.
• In Canada, it is on CBC and TSN (final playoffs ever for TSN)