Playoff time, baby!

Yes! The most wonderful time of the year in all of professional hockey is here....THE PLAYOFFS! In deciding what to blog about the playoffs, I chose not to offer up my picks of who will take it all. Mainly because I am taking part in a big money playoff pool with some good buddies of mine, and lets just say, competition is fierce and I don't want to give my opponents any sort of advantage.

Anyways, while most of us will be cheering for our favorites to go all the way, here are some things to look out for when you sit down to watch the race for Stanley:

1. The San Jose Sharks: as Mark Twain wrote, "For whom the bell tolls", that title can be plastered all over the Sharks. This is it for them. Make or Break. Do or Die. They have the team to win the Cup, but can they finally climb over that hump that is the 2nd round? For the last two seasons, the Oilers and Red Wings have prevented the Sharks from advancing to the Conference Finals. With head coach Ron Wilson's job on the line, he will undoubtedly do everything he can to bring glory to Silicon Valley. But more importantly, keep an eye on Patrick Marleau. This could be his last go at the Cup as captain of the Sharks. If the team fails once again, Marleau could be packing his bags.

2. Alex Ovechkin: Hart, Art Ross and Rocket Richard. These are all the three trophies Ovechkin will win this season. Could he add Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe to that list as well? Hmm, probably not. But you never know. Either way, keep an eye out for "Ovie". Reaching the postseason has been a long-time goal for him, and considering how much energy he has during the regular season, imagine how well he'll play in the playoffs. Something magical could happen in Washington.

3. Minnesota Wild: one word...Underrated!

4. Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames: for the past 3 Stanley Cup Finals, Canada has had a Canadian team in each one. Can these two Canadian playoff teams make it four in a row? Obviously, I'm cheering for the Sharks in the first round. So I won't even bother talking about the Flames. As for the Habs, this could be a team headed for the holy ground. They are playing well, they do possess a dynamic powerplay, and are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NHL. If anything, the fans in Montreal deserve a long playoff run. If you watched last nights game versus the Leafs, those fans are amazing!

5. Pittsburgh Penguins: I believe this team has only two seasons to enjoy the abundance of riches it currently possesses. They have to win the cup now. I just don't see them keeping all of these talented players after next season, as Malkin and Staal will need brand new contracts. Thus, players such as Sykora and Hossa only have a season or two to work their magic with this team. While they may resemble the Oilers Dynasty of the 1980s, they won't have as much time to win it all. So watch how well they perform this time around, especially Crosby, who will be playing hurt.

6. Ottawa Senators: what can I say about this team. After going 15-3 to start the year, they were among the worst teams in the LEAGUE from that point forward. After seeing Alfredsson and Fisher out of the lineup due to injuries, the Sens are entering the postseason without keep playoff performers. Unless this team makes it past the second round, a complete shake up will take place during the offseason, starting with GM/Head coach Bryan Murray. With the Penguins as their first round matchup, perhaps Murray is already getting his bags packed. I hear Dubai is nice this time of year.