All because Kevin Bieksa followed the puck and no one else did.

5-plus questions about the San Jose Sharks from a guy that knows them inside out.

Who cares whether or not the Canucks are "Canada's team"? Examining the reasons behind the ongoing debate about "Canada's team" in the NHL playoffs.

It's only fitting that the #1 and #2 team now meet and unless another Kesler-like performance is in the works, Vancouver will have to do what they already have done to Chicago and Nashville: beat them at their own game.

Huge expectations on both the Sharks and Canucks to advance to the Finals.

If the first 13 games are any indication, then there is plenty to love, some nagging things to hate and more than a few aspects of their game that - should they trend in the right direction - will make all the difference in what this season truly is.

Note the extra day between games 1 & 2 (thanks Kid Rock). Plan your drinking week ahead accordingly.

It can't be easy being a Sedin. Right off the bat there's a genetic copy of you, so throw individualism out the window.

Your faithfully obedient NM crew has been coaxed out of the basement with the promise of Hot Pockets and grocery store-brand grape soda provided we slam our heads together, stumble around a bit and drum up the best quarter-finals predictions this side of a randomly tossed salmon.

Let's peel the cover back on the Hawks again and take a look at their lines.