Brad Marchand

The last time the Pittsburgh Penguins came into the playoffs as two-time defending Stanley Cup champions was in the spring of 1993. They did so with an NHL-best 119 points during the regular season, and rode a league-record 17-game winning streak into the postseason. But the Penguins were eliminated in the second round by the New York Islanders. Which only goes to prove that the playoffs are anybody's game.

When it comes time to talk about the hottest team in the NHL, lately the talk starts and stops with the Boston Bruins. The Bruins have points in 22 of their last 23 games, going 18-1-4. You won't hear any such talk regarding the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres have points in two straight games (1-0-1) but in just 11 of their last 23 (7-12-4).

History will be made as the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators clash in the playoffs. The Bruins and this version of the Senators have never met in postseason play. Minus a history, who should you place you future wagers with?

The Boston Bruins are the latest NHL team to benefit from firing their coach. The Bruins are 9-3 since Bruce Cassidy replaced Claude Julien behind the bench and are securely situated in an Eastern Conference playoff position.