I'm an NHL addict (don't tell the guy who sets the price of Center Ice), so I normally go into withdrawal the moment the Stanley Cup is awarded. That said, this is the first time in memory where I've had that old media curmudgeon's feeling of, "Geez, is it really not over yet?" I blame the wonky playoff schedule with its off days and relocation hiatuses. (Hiatusi? Hiati?) But hopefully tonight's Game 1 gets me back on the wagon.

This one is short and sweet. You know as much about the combatants as you ever will. So tell us who you have in this series and why. There's a poll, plus our latest playoff-updated power rankings after the jump. You can treat this as the evening's game thread chat if you're watching Game 1.

               
Dem Canucks vs. Da Broons
Winner Gets: To cry with a trophy
Loser Gets: To cry without a trophy
It's Okay If You Lose Because: This opportunity comes 'round all the time. Just ask Recchi.
It's Great If You Win Because: Every reporter will now call you "a proven winner."
While You're Playing the Rest of the League Is: Resting up to make sure you never get this far again.

 
Power Rankings: Isles are Better than Florida!

Mike (ICanSeeForIslesAndIsles aka the longest screen name this side of DP's[joints...]) has plugged the scores in all season long (notice Vancouver is now up to 66 wins), and he didn't stop when the regular season did.

That's how, through the magic of continued matchups through three rounds, the Islanders have leaped the Panthers for 26th place, baby. By a hair:

Man, Florida stinks.