Hockey News: NHL Playoff Match-ups

Hockey News:
NHL Playoff Match-ups

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Dallas Stars today, to eliminate the Stars from playoff contention and solidify the Stanley Cup defending Chicago Blackhawks as the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference playoffs. This means that all playoff brackets are (finally) finalized. There are some really great match-ups this year, particularly the Boston Bruins v. Montreal Canadiens series in the Eastern Conference, and the Vancouver Canucks v. Chicago Blackhawks series in the Western Conference.

Also, this marks the start of hockey playoff beard season. Click here to see the Hockey Chump's collection of the best - and worst :-) - beards from playoffs past. 
 
Match-ups are below. Just for fun, I highlighted the teams that I think will win:

Eastern Conference:

1. Washington Capitals
v.
8. New York Rangers

2. Philadelphia Flyers
v.
7. Buffalo Sabres

3. Boston Bruins
v.
6. Monreal Canadiens

4. Pittsburgh Penguins
v.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference:

1. Vancouver Canucks
v.
8. Chicago Blackhawks

2. San Jose Sharks
v.
7. Los Angeles Kings

3. Detroit Red Wings
v.
6. Phoenix Coyotes

4. Anaheim Ducks
v.
5. Nashville Predators

Yeah, I don't think the Western Conference is going to hold too many surprises.