The above bracket was snagged from NHL.com this morning and shows a pattern forming - win the first game and the second game is yours. This isn't to say that all the series are going to be sweeps but emotions are already ramping up.

All the teams have to do is make the playoffs and then anything can happen in a series to four wins. Teams have been down 3-1 and come back to take the series; while other teams have yet to win their first playoff game.

Raw emotion is what drives this sport that we all love. If it was not for a love of this game players wouldn't be coming back from injury the way they do (ie. Ryan Getzlaf), fans would not be chanting for management changes when current philosophies are not working, none of us would be writing about, watching on tv, tweeting, or reading this if there was not some type of emotional connection; but it can be kept in check.

Doesn't matter the team, the player, a sunbelt team nor Original Six some things do not belong in nor around the game. The game does not need derogatory remarks on race nor sexual orientation nor does it need a battle of the sexes as to who has the most pain in the reproductive organs or knows more about the game because of which set of organs they have.

What the game needs and thrives on is the passion for amazing saves, mind blowing plays and the storylines that even a kindergarten teacher from Finland can inspire those across the globe.

It is time to buckle up buttercups - the playoffs are here and it is going to get ugly before Lord Stanley's Cup is lifted.