The real hockey season starts tonight.  

I like New Jersey and San Jose. It was the final I wanted to see last year and I think it's the final that is coming. There would be no greater matchup in my mind than the potent scoring offense of the Sharks against the greatest goaltender of this (or possibly any) era, Martin Brodeur. There is so much competition in the West; I believe one of maybe 5 teams have real shots at the finals. The west is a little more straightforward, I really think it's going to be Buffalo/New Jersey.

The drunks and hockey fans here are already in full swing. The Pittsburgh fans are out of control but I really don't think that the team has what it takes. There's way too much pressure on them in regards to the money situation and the new arena that's being built. I used to be one of those loud mouthed female hockey fans that spent two grand on season tickets but now that price has doubled .. and those are for the crapola seats.

It will be interesting to see how the first round of games goes. No doubt, I will wake up over the next few week and see more than a few passed out people on my lawn.

I have a dilemma.My beloved Red Wings are playing my beloved Flames. the first hockey game I saw was the Flames vs the Blues, I have rooted for The flames ever since. About a year after that I fell hard for the Red Wings. And this year they have to play one another. My pick for the west is The Red Wings.With the east, i love the Penguins but I don't think they can beat the Sabres. My pick in the east is the Sabres. Wow, If the two teams I pick go to the final, Hasek will meet his old team in the final!