In this edition of the hotstove, we discuss which playoff series we're most excited for.
Todd Cordell
Columbus vs Pittsburgh and I'm not sure it's close. That is not a knock on other matchups, but rather a testament to how good this one is.
Columbus is a top-5 team in the standings and in goal differential. Pittsburgh is a top-5 team in the standings and goal differential. This is a conference finals/Stanley Cup caliber matchup in the opening round.
Both teams have great goaltenders, play fast, are skilled, and the games always tend to be nasty when they square off.
Pittsburgh usually gets the best of Columbus but with several players out of the lineup and/or playing banged up I think the playing field is a little more level.
This is going to be a fast, physical, exciting series and I expect it to go the distance regardless of which team comes out on top.
John Jaeckel Minnesota/St. Louis or Columbus/Pittsburgh.
The Blues and Wild are pretty evenly matched and one team is surging (St. Louis) while the other is kind of sputtering—after a blistering start to the year.
Pittsburgh-Columbus has a lot of sub-text. Geographic rivals, a team on the rise versus a mature team trying to stay dominant in spite of the salary cap, key injuries on the Pittsburgh side that improve Columbus' chances.
Peter Tessier Oh, the post season is starting? Right, must be nice for people to have teams to write about in games that have big meaning and consequences. No don't call he Waaaahmbuance for me it's all good.
The series I want to see is the one where Montreal loses. Haha, just kidding.
I think the Penguins vs Blue Jackets is the one I'm most intrigued by. With Letang being out this series is probably even tighter than it would be normally and perhaps leaning towards the Jackets. My close second is Anaheim vs Calgary. I'm not sold the Flames curse in the Honda centre continues and this could be a bit of a rodeo.
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