Hey Look! There's Playoffs On!: Day One

We aren't in these playoffs, but as hockey fans we're still going to be following them. There will pretty much be two games on TV everyday through the at least the first round. Or that's how many you'll be able to see if you have Versus. Here's a look at the first round games that will be starting up tonight.

Rangers at Capitals
4:00 PDT - TSN
Capitals Won Season Series 3-1

Why we care about this matchup: Alex Ovechkin. Seriously. He's going to make this series awesome. He'll get some help from Mike Green who has become the highest scoring Defensman since the 90s. On the New York side we get to follow former Coyotes Derek Morris and Freddie Sjostrom, but we also have to watch Sean Avery. That's not a very fair trade...

Hurricanes at Devils
4:30 PDT - TSN, RIS
Hurricanes Won Season Series 3-1

Why We Care About This Matchup: I'm not sure that I really care all that much in this one. The Devils have been in a nose dive lately, but still have Martin Brodeur in net. The Canes on the other hand, have been one of the hottest teams in the game trying to get into the playoffs. They've also done well against the devils this year and have to be a candidate for one of the teams to pull off a first round upset.

Flyers at Penguins
4:00 PDT - Versus, CBC, RSN
Penguins Won Season Series 4-2

Why We Care About This Matchup: Most Coyote fans are going to be following this series mostly due to Daniel Carcillo being on the Flyers now. They may not be seeing a whole lot of him though. SInce the trade that sent him to Philly he hasn't yet found the scoring touch that all playoff teams need. Sure he brings a physical game, but so do a lot of the Flyers players. If he can't get some points he won't be seeing a lot of ice time. On the flipside Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are once again the big draws for viewership and excitement on the Pens side. Say what you will about Sid, the kid can play. Malkin secured the scoring title too, so you've definitely got to watch out for the Penguins.

Blues at Canucks
7:00 PDT - Versus, CBC, RSN
Season Series: 2-2

Why We Care About This Matchup: These two teams are two of the hottest in the league coming into the playoffs. St. Louis went 9-1-1 over the last 11 games to make a mad dash from nowhere into the 6th spot. Vancouver on the other hand, was way behind Calgary in the Northwest Division but climbed to the top with some help from the Flames taking a dive, but also thanks to GM Place. The Nucks were nearly invincible there since February, having gone 13-1-1 since then. We also get to see former Coyote Keith Tkachuk in action for those fans of his still here in the Valley.