Ice-chips: Sharks, Caps have to dig deep.

Shark-bait
I think now would be an appropriate time for Capital and Shark fans to panic.

These are two teams that were heavily favored not just to win their opening round match-up, but also to make it to the Stanley Cup finals.

For the Capitals, losing to the New York Rangers in the first round would not be cause for major concern. There is a belief that the team is still a year or two away from being serious contenders, and right now the fan-base is content with just making the playoffs. The Sharks however must figure out a way to dig deep and beat the Ducks... or risk becoming irrelevant in California.

If Anaheim upsets San Jose heads will roll in the offseason. There is only one thing worse than not making the playoffs in the NHL... and that is being considered playoff chokers. Last year Ron Wilson lost his job because of their playoff ineptitude. This year you could see management blow the whole thing up and start from scratch.

Canucks impress in opening series
Is it just me, or do the Canucks all of the sudden look like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender? Luongo really is the x-factor in the series, as Vancouver runs over St.Louis. I predicted the Blues would win the series but you may have to take out the brooms and give the series to Vancouver.