Stanley Cup 2016: First Round Rooting Guide

Who should you root for if you root for BC? We've got you covered.

Dallas vs. Minnesota

Root for Dallas.

Patrick Eaves plays for Dallas, so as of right now you should root for Dallas. Adam Gilmour recently signed with Minnesota but he isn't expected to play until next season and will likely start out in the AHL anyways. If Alex Tuch ends up signing with Minnesota and actually plays for them this postseason Minnesota will end up with the slight BC edge.

St. Louis vs. Chicago

Root for St. Louis.

Peter Harrold plays for the Blues' AHL affiliate and has seen some NHL action this year, so the slight edge goes to St. Louis. Chicago has more BC connections since Chris Calnan is a Chicago draft pick and Nick Petrecki plays for Chicago's ECHL affiliate, but Calnan should be returning to BC for his senior year and Petrecki hasn't seen any NHL ice time for Chicago, so St. Louis is a better pick for BC fans.

Anaheim vs. Nashville

Root for Anaheim.

There's no real BC winner here, but Steve Whitney and Barry Almeida both play for ECHL affiliates of Anaheim. Also Colin Wilson plays for Nashville and he went to BU. So that's a good enough reason to root for the other team.

Los Angeles vs. San Jose

Root for Los Angeles.

Rob Scuderi was recently traded to the Kings and the Sharks have no BC players on their team. In fact, the Sharks traded away BC favorite Ben Smith earlier this season.

Florida vs. New York Islanders

Root for Florida.

Mike Matheson plays for Florida's AHL team and has seen a little bit of NHL action this season. Additionally, Ian McCoshen may or may not sign with Florida in the coming weeks. Joe Whitney, Parker Milner, and Teddy Doherty all play for the Islanders AHL/ECHL affiliates but none have seen NHL action this season.

Tampa Bay vs. Detroit

Root for Tampa Bay.

Brian Boyle plays for Tampa Bay and there are no BC guys on the Red Wings or in Detroit's system. Tampa is the clear winner here for BC fans.

Washington vs. Philadelphia

Root for Washington.

Brooks Orpik plays for Washington, and Paul Carey (AHL) saw some time in the NHL with the Capitals this season. Additionally, Zach Sanford is a Washington draft pick. The Flyers have no BC players on their team or in their system, giving us another clear choice in favor of Washington.

Pittsburgh vs. New York Rangers

Root for New York.

Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes are both Rangers and Brian Gibbons plays for NY's AHL team. Pittsburgh doesn't have as much of a BC connection, but they're a fine choice if you can't bring yourself to root for the Rangers since Brian Dumoulin plays for the Penguins.

AHL and ECHL

In Round 1 of the AHL playoffs you can root for Paul Carey's Hershey Bears (although he is out with an injury), Tommy Cross and the Providence Bruins, Mike Matheson's Portland Pirates, or Ben Smith and the Toronto Marlies. The AHL season doesn't end until April 17, so it is also possible for other BC alums and their AHL teams to make the playoffs - I'll update this accordingly.

In Round 1 of the ECHL playoffs you can root for Patch Alber's Adirondack Thunder, Barry Almeida's Utah Grizzlies, or Parker Milner and the Missouri Mavericks. Teddy Doherty ended the season with Missouri, but didn't make their playoff roster.