This week marks one of the best in sports. Not only do we still have the fresh feeling of baseball starting, but the NBA and NHL will begin their playoffs. The NHL will start their playoffs tomorrow and they have a wonderful opportunity in front of them especially in the eastern conference.

Ever since the lockout season, the NHL has fallen off the map. They went from being featured on ESPN all season long to the relative exile of Versus. However in the eastern conference there are big market teams such as Boston, New York, Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Washington. If they could put together an entertaining playoffs and ratings are high enough, well they might just be on their way back to where they were.

Predictions for first round:

(1) Boston vs (8) Montreal: Boston. They are a no. 1 seed for a reason

(2) Washington vs (7) New York Rangers: Rangers. The Caps have the best play in hockey in Ovechkin, but I like the upset chance the Rangers have.

(3) New Jersey vs (6) Carolina: I like Jersey in this one.

(4) Pittsburgh vs (5) Philadelphia: Great intrastate match-up. I think the combo of Crosby and Malkin will be enough to get the Penguins through. I hope Pitt wears their throwback powder blue jerseys at least once. Great jerseys that rival the old Coyotes jerseys for coolest ever in hockey.

The western conference is different than in years past. Dallas, Colorado, Minnesota, and Edmonton are all not in the playoffs. However a newcomer in Columbus has emerged.

Predictions:

(1) San Jose vs (8) Anaheim: Another interstate match up. San Jose has the best record in hockey and I do not see them going out in the first round. Sharks roll.

(2) Detroit vs (7) Columbus: It is nice to a newcomer in the playoffs like the Blue Jackets. However, it will be a quick playoff for them as Detroit will advance in five games max.

(3) Vancouver vs (6) St. Louis: Vancouver will get past the Blues.

(4) Chicago vs (5) Calgary: It is nice to see the Blackhawks in the playoffs and even though it will probably take seven games they should get through the round.

College hockey finished their season this past weekend. Miami (OH) and Boston met in the final. Miami was up two goals with a minute left and they let it go giving up two goals in under that minute. Boston then got the goal in overtime to complete the comeback. This happened the day before the final round of the Masters so did Miami (OH) pull a Kenny Perry or did Kenny Perry pull a Miami (OH). They both did in fact choke.

Now that baseball has started the games now count. It is really early in the season but the Diamondbacks are already struggling with their pitching. Brandon Webb on the 15 day DL does not help either. With a team ERA over five runs a game the D’Backs have to get this fixed sooner rather than later.

I know it is only the second week of a really long season but take a look at the top of the AL East standings and you will find Baltimore and Toronto at the top. That alone brings a smile to my face.

Later this week there will be a preview for the NBA playoffs. Be sure to tune into the radio show this Friday with Chris Etling and others 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on KJACK 1680am and online at KJACK.org or right here at Jackcentral.com.