Thanks For Playing, part 1

Well, half of the first round playoff series are over, meaning 4 teams have made their tee times. As usual, if you're expecting some sort of in-depth statistical analysis from me, die.

St. Louis Blues - The Blues deserved better than a sweep at the hands of the red-hot Canucks. However, they've got a lot to look forward to. They were pretty much screwed by injuries all season, and still managed to roll into the playoffs with the best final 10 game stretch (most on the road no less). They should leave well enough alone, find out who the valuable role players are on the team and try to keep them. Avoid the path of the high-priced free agent. An intact Blues team may even challenge for the division next year. Not really, but I like giving them hope.

Montreal Canadiens - 100th season didn't pan out the way you expected, eh fans? In some ways, it's karmic retribution for trying to stuff the All-Star game ballots. I liked seeing the sense of entitlement fade into despair by season's end. However, the Habs have much more to worry about. Namely, will they even make the playoffs next year? They fell apart worse than Terry Schiavo's life support after the ASG. That's all the space I'm willing to devote to these guys.

Columbus Blue Jackets - Aw. I really wanted them to win a playoff game. They came close to getting a home victory in game 4. But really, the Detroit Red Wings were just too good for them, especially when Osgood channels Patrick Roy during the playoffs. Sad to see them go, but they've got as good a chance as anyone of returning next year, and this time grabbing a victory. They just need a good matchup for once. Nash will not be denied playoff success. Mark it down.

Philadelphia Flyers - Missing: Jeff Carter. Last seen since: regular season. #17 for the Flyers had a single point (a game 3 goal) during the 6-game series, while the #1 players for Pittsburgh, Malkin and Crosby, had a combined 17 points during the playoffs. If that isn't a stretch, I don't know what is. At any rate, their star players failed to come up big in the postseason. Their top two lines all had minus or even ratings. The Flyers' fourth line was relied on far too much. And as usual with this undisciplined club, when they became emotional they completely fell apart. Their game 6 epic (EPIC!) collapse was pure proof of how to beat the Flyers: get them to stop thinking about hockey. All in all, there's no way I would rather have seen this series ended than abject humiliation in front of a home crowd of 20,000 assholes. Enjoy the offseason, you Obsessed-With-Crosby bastards.

- Matt