PLAYOFFS!!! [Wednesday Night Watch Thread]

I am of two minds about the NHL playoffs -- well, maybe three:

1. They are awesome. I can't get enough.

2. When my team(s) is in it, I am both giddy and nervous, overwhelmed with alliances and excitement.

3. When my team(s) isn't in it, there is a certain peace in not facing the anxiety of their inevitable failure. That said, the anxiety of hated rivals advances fills the void.

So anyway, here we are. Enjoy the games tonight. Vote in our series polls if you haven't already (and fill out a bracket), and chat up whatever you see, read or feel like sharing with your fellow LHHers.

Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning

Game 1, Eastern Conference First Round | Series tied 0-0
7 p.m. ET | Tampa Bay Times Forum, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Local TV: Sun Sports (TB)
National TV: CNBC (US) | CBC, RDS (Canada)
Live online stream at NBCSports.com (USA) and CBC.ca (Canada)
More: Series preview | Canadiens blog | Lightning blog

The Canadiens will be relieved not to face Ben Bishop, nor the New York Islanders.

***

Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins

Game 1, Eastern Conference First Round | Series tied 0-0
7:30 p.m. ET | CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Local TV: Root Sports (PIT) | FS Ohio (CBJ)
National TV: NBCSN (US) | CBC (Canada)
Live online stream at NBCSports.com (USA) and CBC.ca (Canada)
More: Series preview | Blue Jackets blog | Penguins blog

When will Fleury turn into a pumpkin?

***

Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks

Game 1, Western Conference First Round | Series tied 0-0
10 p.m. ET | Honda Center, Anaheim, Calif.

Local TV: FS West (ANA) | FS Southwest (DAL)
National TV: NBCSN (US) | TSN (Canada)
Live online stream at NBCSports.com (USA) and TSN.ca (Canada)
More: Series preview | Stars blog | Ducks blog

Hockey, hockey, from evening to the wee hours. Wee hours as in weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!