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The quest for the Stanley Cup begins today and Boston College hockey is once again well represented. This year there are five teams that have multiple BC players on their rosters.
In the Eastern Conference, BC is represented by Brian Boyle and newcomer Chris Kreider on the top-seeded New York Rangers. The Blueshirts face Ottawa in the first round of the playoffs. Across the Hudson, former BC teammates Stephen Gionta and Peter Harrold are repping BC for the New Jersey Devils. The Devils face third seeded Florida in the 3 vs. 6 matchup.
And in the Eastern Conference's 4 vs. 5 matchup, BC is represented by Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik and Ben Lovejoy (well, 1/2?).
Out west, the #1 seed the Vancouver Canucks have two former Eagles in Andrew Alberts and Cory Schneider. The Canucks face Rob Scuderi and the Kings in the 1-8 Quarterfinals series. Finally, the Chicago Blackhawks have both Ben Smith and Jimmy Hayes on the active roster. The Hawks face the Phoenix Coyotes in the 3-6 matchup.
So we're pulling for the Rangers, Devils and Penguins in the Eastern Conference playoffs and Vancouver and Chicago out West, yes? But who are we rooting for in the other series?
Eastern Conference Playoffs
(1) New York Rangers vs. (8) Ottawa Senators. Root for BC's Brian Boyle (2003-07) and Chris Kreider (2009-12) and the New York Rangers over Ottawa. The Blueshirts are going to need the support with the jinx that NBC Sports is putting on NYR.
(2) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Washington Capitals. Former Hobey Baker winner Mike Mottau and the B's over the Caps is the play here. Shouldn't be too hard for most of you.
(3) Florida Panthers vs. (6) New Jersey Devils. BC's Stephen Gionta and Peter Harrold get the edge over Florida's Scott Clemmensen.
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Philadelphia Flyers. The Eagles are represented by Brooks Orpik and Ben Lovejoy (?) on the Pens. No BC ties on the Flyers' active roster. Lean: Pittsburgh.
Western Conference Playoffs
(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Los Angeles Kings. With apologies to Rob Scuderi, the lean here is Vancouver's Andrew Alberts and Cory Schneider.
(2) St. Louis Blues vs. (7) San Jose Sharks. Root for Benn Ferriero and the Sharks in this one.
(3) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks. BC's Ben Smith and Jimmy Hayes are holding it down for BC on the Blackhawks roster.
(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings. Root for Patrick Eaves and the Red Wings over the Preds.
Go Eagles!