It's the day of the NCAA Tournament title game and that means one thing.
We're not going to touch it. We'll leave that for the Parrish, Doyel, et al. We know when we're not needed and we know the meaning of oversaturation.
So let's talk hockey. Let's talk hockey playoffs. And maybe we'll talk about my Washington Capitals.
Here's some playoff predictions, and maybe even a little analysis about what to expect in the first round (West to come tomorrow).
Canadiens vs. Bruins
Why Montreal should win: They swept the season series. Yep, all eight games.
Why Boston could win: Even the sun shines on Roddick vs. Federer ever so often.
What I think will happen: Boston has a lot of nice pieces, but no true sniper. In the playoffs, you need that element -- unless you have 1990s-Hasek-ian type goaltending. Alexei Kovalev, always overshadowed by teammates (Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, etc) finally gets to be The Man. And I don't bet against The Man, at least not in the first round.
Why I will watch: To see Saku Koivu (faceoff percentage 52.3 percent) vs. Marc Savard (51.6 percent)
Prediction: Habs in 6
Penguins vs. Senators
Why Pittsburgh should win: Too much firepower, too much hunger, too much Sid and Mal. 
Why Ottawa could win: Despite no Daniel Alfredsson, this team still has stars in Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley and Wade Redden. Sometimes, a wounded dog can be dangerous.
What I think will happen: Ottawa doesn't roll over, not with Miami University alum Randy Robitaille on board, but the Penguins just prove too formidable a foe and Sidney Crosby gets back into the who's-the-best-from-the-'05-class debate.
Why I will watch: To see what NHL '94 legend Gary Roberts can still bring to the table.
Prediction: Pens in 6
Devils vs. Rangers
Why New Jersey will win: It's impossible to say why the Devs will win without talking about Martin Brodeur. Has any player meant more to his franchise than Marty? Would the Devils still even be around if not for him? Offensively, this likely rests on Brian Gionta. In last year's 
playoffs he had eight goals in 11 games.
Why New York could win: It took seven of the eight this season, so the team's not too intimidated by Brodeur. Plus, they have a pretty good goaltender of their own in Henry Lundqvist.
What I think will happen: I know all the offseason acquisitions haven't exactly shined, but there's a lot of playoff experience on the Rangers -- probably a little too much in Drury, Gomez, Shannahan and Malek.
Why I will watch: Potential Elisha Cuthbert sightings are enough to get me to tune in. I'm easy like that.
Prediction: Rangers in 7
Capitals vs. Flyers
Why Washington will win: Despite the theory that Washington's been pressing the metal to the pedal for too long, this team is as focused 
as a med student on Ritalin before finals. As long as Cristobal Huet mans the pipes like he's been doing, there's no stopping them.
Why Philadelphia could win: They're equally as hot, just not as sexy and they're slightly more veterany than the Caps.
Why I will watch: Even if I wasn't a Caps fan, this team has Rockies '07 written all over it. And who didn't like watching the Rockies?
Prediction: Caps in 6
On to the best four blogs around!
This tournament has been garbage. Crap. Poop. Wait, that's the same thing as crap. THE OBJECTIVE GUY explains.
Bracket fever has caught on. DD's ramble about everything is out to uncover the greatest album of all time. Included: Led Zeppelin III. Not included: ManOWar, Anthology.
The Bong Show is out to enlighten. Today's entry is about softball wizard Eddie Feigner, who was something of a freak.
I'm a sucker for blogs about the current state of insert your teams' sports towns. It ain't looking to good in Chicago, says Chicago Sports: Past, Present, Future.
Klick of the Day
As we approach the hockey playoffs, get your stats on with this site.
