The 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us! Though this year, it is a little less exciting. This is the first time in 46 years, that no Canadian teams have made the playoffs (Despite 5 out of the 7 made it last year). Also with potential expansion on the way (Las Vegas Black Knights anyone?) this could be one of the last years before it changes.

So yes there's 3 California teams and 2 Florida teams and no Canadian teams.

All the schedules and details can be found here: https://www.nhl.com/stanley-cup-playoffs

Here are the first round match ups!

CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Washington Capitols (1) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (WC2)
(Washington Capitols Lead Series 1-0)
Game 1: Washington 2 Philadelphia 0
Florida Panthers (1) vs. New York Islanders (WC1)
(New York Islanders Lead Series 1-0)
Game 1: New York 5 Florida 4
Tampa Bay Lightning (2) vs. Detroit Red Wings (3)
(Tampa Bay Lightning Leads Series 1-0)
Game 1: Tampa Bay 3 Detroit 2
Pittsburgh Penguins (2) vs. New York Rangers (3)
(Pittsburgh Penguins Lead Series 1-0)
Game 1: Pittsburgh 5 New York 2

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Dallas Stars (1) vs. Minnesota Wild (WC2)
Game 1: Live Now!
Anaheim Ducks (1) vs. Nashville Predators (WC1)
St. Louis Blues (2) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3)
(St. Louis Blues Leads Series 1-0)
Game 1: St. Louis 1 Chicago 0 (OT)
Los Angeles Kings (2) vs. San Jose Sharks (3)
Game 1: Live now!

So what your picks/predicts? I know ATRL has maybe like 3 hockey fans but still... Will Chicago repeat? Any upsets you think could happen?

All the action starts Wednesday!

Habs are out, don't care.
There isn't even a Canadian team to root for...

REGARDLESS.

Originally posted by Sasha. Go Predators

My predictions:

East
Capitols vs. Flyers
Panthers vs. Islanders
Lightning vs. Red Wings
Penguins vs. Rangers

West
Stars vs. Wild
Ducks vs. Predators
Blues vs. Blackhawks
Kings vs. Sharks

Originally posted by Changes I would've predicted the Lightning in the finals again but Stamkos is out so idk. I think the Kings will make it from the West tho.