Just a few things that caught my eye:

• Troy Brouwer is a playoff beast. Just for the wrong team this time.
• Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Right Brent Seabrook? Both posts and out.

• Blocker side, just above the pad. That's the book on Corey Crawford. Sigh.
• Michael Neuvirth is the top dog in Philly, effective now. How's a trip to Edmonton sound, Steve Mason?
• Hey Nashville -- see what happens when you get Ryan Johansen away from Ryan Kesler? It was nice of James Neal to show up, too.
• I love Dallas' game, but that kind of game doesn't get you far in the postseason. Rope-a-dope is fun, but mighty dangerous.
• Alex Pietrangelo channelled his best Duncan Keith. Hot damn, he was smooth.
• Pekka Rinne turned up the quality of his game Monday night. He looked like an old 33 this season. I really should have traded his butt in my keeper league last season.
• Ken Hitchcock's job is safe ... for this round. And it won't be safe unless they win the Cup. He might win the Jack Adams trophy and be fired, all in the same season.
• John Tavares' ascension has begun. I still like the Bolts because of their experience, but I'm not counting out Johnny Boy. Not one little bit.
• Jason Spezza has seven points in his last three games. Yes, Jason Spezza!
• Brian Elliott, the early fave for the Conn Smythe. Now that should curse his butt good. Bah-ha-HAH.
• The Eastern Conference championship will be played in Round 2. Washington should emerge victorious, but Pittsburgh is really flying.
• My Hawks jersey has been put away. Now someone get me a tissue. Please? My playoff pool is shot.