A Guide to the Stanley Cup Playoffs

With the exception of one game going on this Sunday, the field is set for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's a guide to who you should root for, who you should root against, and other things for the playoffs.

• Team to Root For: Vegas Golden Knights: How often do you see an expansion team make the playoffs in their first year? On top of that, how often do you see them win their own division? With goal scorers like Jonathan Marchessault (27 goals, 48 assists, +36), William Karlsson (43 goals, 35 assists, +49), and James Neal (25 goals), the Golden Knights can put goals on the board quickly. Other Teams to Root For: Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks
  
• Team to Root Against: Pittsburgh Penguins: They're the defending champs (back-to-back, in fact), so why wouldn't you root against them? Besides, Sidney Crosby's a Penguin and it's fun to watch him suffer unless you're from Western Pennsylvania. The guy's stories of whining like a prima donna on the ice are legendary. Other Teams to Root Against: Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs
  
• Underrated Team: New Jersey Devils: Acquiring Taylor Hall from Edmonton paid major dividends for New Jersey; Hall has 93 points with 39 of those being goals for the Devils this year. The team will go as he goes, for he makes his teammates around him better. Other Underrated Teams: Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings
  
• The Favorite: Nashville Predators: Once again, the Predators bring their defensive grit to the playoffs. P.K. Subban and crew will look to finish their business after being ousted from the Stanley Cup Finals last season. Also, Nashville will be a 'house of horrors' for opposing teams to play in come playoff time. Other Favorites: Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins