NHL provides a little 'Madness' of it's own

Now this is what hockey fans like to see, tight conference races and teams battling to make the playoff threshold, where each game counts down to the final week. It took a while for the fans across the country to realize that there was some great hockey being played and more excitement to come, but they finally are. In the West the Sharks have been caught in a net and now are tied for the best record while the 13th place Kings are still in the hunt for the eighth and final spot. Now, understandably some of the contenders may in fact be pretenders but when there are only 8 teams left it will make for some great playoff action. Boston’s been the talk of town but in reality the Devils are just as deadly, there aggressive style has kept them even with the Bruins in the win column but changed a couple of those ties to “:L’s” and that’s the difference. Still it might do them some good to be on the opposite side of the bracket rather than looking up at them. If the Bruins and Devils meet in the conf. finals surely one club will slip up at home. What about the Penguin’s late season run? Are they playing the best hockey in the league right now? If so, similar to the NCAA’s, is it better to peak at the right time rather than be consistent throughout the year? Oh can you imagine the turmoil in NYC right now with the Rangers on the outside looking in?? Another testament on how hotly contested the Eastern Conf. is, as they’re all one game away from humility. Lastly, is it possible that people are sleeping on a team that won 44 games? It sure seems like no one is looking for the Wings to get back to the finals. Strange as it may seem, catching the Sharks (5-4-1 last 10) and going 7-3 themselves has many wondering if they peaked too early? Let us know your pick to advance in the playoffs here and in the NHL chat rooms.