There's a serious lack of opening round rivalries. At least the West has kept everything intra-division, but the possible matchups, even up to the last day, had a chance of being so much better.
However, it's the SCP - the most exciting time of year! Is it Wednesday yet?
not sure i agree with the lack of rivalries, if anything pittsburgh vs columbus should give us plenty of hate, just think the rivalries are more in the developing stage! we missed the jackpot on a couple matchups though. i will say all 8 have good story lines though:
1. nashville / chicago - preds want payback for blowing it last year in game 7, and have the chip on their shoulder for being the centrals little brother. chicago just keeps reloading
2. st louis / minnesota - all stories must revolve around mike yeo on this one right? plus blues ticked off for losing 2 years ago
3. calgary / anaheim - i dont think the flames have won a game in a anaheim in a number of years. plus tkachuk is bound to get a major penalty in the first 2 games
4. edmonton / san jose - drink your coffee as youll want to stay awake and watch mcdavid
1. canadians / rangers - hall of fame goalie matchup please
2. senators / bruins - ok i got nothing on this one, this series if your lack of anything intriguing which means itll go 7 games
3. maple leafs / capitals - presidents trophy vs the powers that be in toronto and league home cooking.
4. penguins / blue jackets - dubinsky vs crosby, enough said.
either way best time of the year, and dont care who you are, much more fun when canadian teams are in and we have FIVE in, up from zero last year
