Here come the playoffs

Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Niclas Havelid (28) makes a pass under the heavy forecheck of Carolina Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour in NHL action in Raleigh, NC, on Friday, April 6, 2007. The Thrashers won, 4-1. Photo by Ted

So the missus and I were given free tickets to the Hurricanes game on Friday, even though they had been eliminated from playoff contention the previous Tuesday. And while it is always a joy to see NHL hockey live, we were made somewhat ill by what we saw. We saw the team really trying to pull together and make something happen, but sadly, they got their asses handed to them.

So now that the season is over for the Canes (they concluded with an OT win at home vs. the Florida Panthers on Saturday), it is time to choose who to root for as the playoffs begin.

In the Eastern Conference, although my heart is with the Rangers, I am going with Ottawa. The few times I've seen them play this year, they really looked like a disciplined, cooperative and fast team, full of talented yet unselfish players. And the franchise has bit the dust so many times in the playoffs in recent years, I think it's time.

In the West, I am going with Anaheim. I want to see Mark Hartigan hoist the Cup. Then I could say, "Geez, I remember watching that guy grow up in the minors ..."