The most exciting yet heart-breaking time of my year is right around the corner; hockey playoffs start Wednesday night. Every year the Caps take my heart and kick it to the curb, but this year is a very different year. The Caps have absolutely dominated the entire NHL this season and have a strong chance of making it to the finals.

Of course my own bias has me leaning towards a 100% guaranteed Finals appearance, but I have to use the phrase “strong chance” due to previous Washington playoff attempts. The Caps struggle every year in the first round of the post-season, but I know we can beat the Flyers easily. The last couple of games during the regular season were huge disappointments, but I don’t think those games will represent how the team will play against the Flyers. The Caps are the second highest scoring team behind the Stars, and will take out the Flyers easy if they can continue to score goals at the pace they have all season long. My prediction is Washington in Game 5.

I’ll give Detroit credit for making it to yet another playoff contention, but I’m taking Tampa this time around. The Lightening have a lot of injuries going into the first round, but they’re hungry for another chance after last year’s run for the cup. Detroit has some very impressive goaltending, but Tampa’s offensive moves the puck around and manages to get past goalies. I’m taking Tampa in Game 7. It would’ve been Game 5 if Stamkos was playing, but he’s not so it’ll be tough.

Florida is beating New York without a doubt, but I think it’ll be a tough series. Roberto Luongo has been an incredible player in the crease so I don’t think he’s allowing anything to get past him. Along with that, Jagr is an old fart and old men like him don’t like to lose. I’m taking Florida in Game 6.

I hate both of these teams with a passion. Picking who I would rather have win is like picking which poison I’d like to have in my coffee. However, I’d much rather have Pittsburgh beat New York. If the Caps have to play the Rangers again in the playoffs I think I might just throw in the towel. The Penguins are a tough team and if we had to play them it would be a challenge, but I’d much rather face them then those clowns from Manhattan. I’m taking Pittsburgh in Game 7.