So it’s playoff time in the NHL and naturally from now until June, this is all I’m going to be watching. And of course the Leafs did not get in, but it is most likely they would’ve been beaten in the first round anyways. This year, I shall be following Washington, and Montreal (despite my affiliation with the Leafs) and Vancouver by virtue of being the only two Canadian teams in the playoffs. I look forward to seeing many close games and some series upsets, plus there are multiple games on every night. This is the best time of the year to be a hockey fan, the second best time being the start of the season in October.

These are my first round picks this year. I don’t really have any analysis to accompany these picks, this is just how I think the first round will play out.

Washington defeats New York in 6 games. Vancouver defeats Chicago in 6 games.

Philadelphia defeats Buffalo in 5 games. San Jose defeats Los Angeles in 6 games.

Montreal defeats Boston in 7 games. Phoenix defeats Detroit in 7 games.

Pittsburgh defeats Tampa Bay in 6 games. Anaheim defeats Nashville in 6 games.