Stoney Point - Mar. 14, 2015 - If the 2014-15 NHL Playoffs started today, there would be some pretty interesting match-ups. Five of the six Original Six teams would have a ticket to the dance - while Leafs Nation will be focused on the lottery. The playoffs will also see three Canadian teams competing for Lord Stanley's cup.

The Nashville Predators have had a great season under Head Coach Peter Laviolette. Their reward is drawing the Chicago Blackhawks in round one. The defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings will be in tough against the Anaheim Ducks. Nice to see Bob Hartley bring the Calgary Flames into the post-season and today their opponent would be the Vancouver Canucks. The St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild round out the Western Conference.

Over in the East, the Montreal Canadiens would draw original six rivals the Boston Bruins. Steven Stamkos will look to lead Steve Yzerman's Tampa Bay Lightning over the Detroit Red Wings. John Tavares and Sidney Crosby would go head-to-head in the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins series. The final series is also intriguing pitting the New York Rangers against the Washington Capitals.

These pairings will change game by game over the next month, but it is shaping up to be a great playoff year. HometownHockey.ca will once again be running our annual Playoff Pool - stay tuned!

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