Spring is here! It must be time for hockey playoffs

Prelude - For most us, the melting snow outside means time get outside and do some gardening work, go for a walk, or head to the store to purchase some lawn furniture. For hockey fans, it means grab a spot on the couch and get ready for the most exciting time of the year: the NHL playoffs. But, heads up! Expect a far moodier fan sitting in your living room. Where as a loss a week ago had your fan cursing under his breath, then changing channels, a loss now has him crying in his beer. If you can handle your fan wearing his emotions on his sleeves, there isn't an easier or better time to talk hockey. Get the conversation started!

Sport - Hockey

Event - The NHL playoffs start this week.

Point to say - "Who do you think will make it out of the Eastern Conference?"

Follow up point - "Do you think Washington will win their series?"

Get out of the conversation - "Planning any trips this summer?"

Backgrounder
When talking about which team is the safest bet to move to the next round of playoffs, look at the teams ranked, or seeded, in the top four positions. However this year, the Eastern Conference does not have a clear cut favourite. So, is there a "Cinderella team?" A team that no one thinks stands a chance but could, in fact, move very far in the playoffs?

If you are wish to make a bold prediction, imply that Washington stands a very good chance at moving on past the first two rounds of the playoffs. Why? Washington is heading into the playoffs playing the best hockey out of any team in the Eastern Conference.

What about Pittsburgh's chances? Or Montreal's? We'll look at those teams later this week.

Playoff Match Ups
Here are the first round match ups.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Montreal vs (8) Boston
(2) Pittsburgh vs (7) Ottawa
(3) Washington vs (6) Philadelphia
(4) New Jersey vs (5) NY Rangers
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Detroit vs (8) Nashville
(2) San Jose vs (7) Calgary
(3) Minnesota vs (6) Colorado
(4) Anaheim vs (5) Dallas

Links
TSN starts to review the matches. If you have time, this will give you added details on who in each series will be the guy everyone talks about.