from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

The dream scenarios

Of course, the final month will determine the playoff matchups, and this season there are tantalizing possibilities. Do we get a Rangers-Islanders matchup to kick things off? What about a rematch of the classic 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins-Washington Capitals playoff series, the first and only meeting between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in the postseason? A reprise of last year's Bruins-Canadiens drama? A natural and a distinct possibility.

In the West, the possibility of Blues-Blackhawks is significant. And if the Kings do sneak in, will they draw an Anaheim Ducks team looking to avenge last season's seven-game series loss in the second round? And, of course, there's the chance of an old Smythe Division battle between the Flames and Canucks.

If we have one thought for the hockey gods, it's this: Give us what we want. Please.

more storylines for the next month...