MY Sweet Sixteen

OK, it’s official- the NHL playoff matchups have been decided. Clever Girls, this is what you need to know going into one of the most exciting stretches in the sports year. Most important is the fact the first game is THIS Wednesday- I can’t wait.

I told you I’d let you know why playoff hockey is So Very Different from regular season play- there is no better time. During the playoffs, every second counts, which means the guys cannot risk drawing penalties that might give the other team a one-man or two-man advantage.

Remember- the team with a guy in the penalty box is "short-handed." If they make a goal, it's called a "short-handed" goal. The team with the advantage is on what is called a "power play." If they get a goal- it is called a "power play" goal. Now, given the obvious advantage of having one more guy on the ice than the opposition, it is more likely a goal will be scored by the team on the power play, so the "short-handed" team’s goal is to "kill" the penalty, which means they keep the opposition from scoring a goal during the time they are out manned.

So, given that, it is dangerous to incur frivolous penalties. Therefore, you can count on cleaner (this does not mean less physical) and more graceful hockey. This is when the game is at its most glorious- balletic, smooth and highly skilled. The crucial aspect of each game during the race for the cup keeps tempers short and hot. There will still be fights- but there will be less fights. Count on the checks to be legal and well considered. The play is intuitive and strategic.

Eastern Conference

(1) Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens (8)
(2) New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers (7)
(3) Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins (6)
(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators (5)

Western Conference

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche (8)
(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators (7)
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings (6)
(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings (8)

My gosh, my ultimate favorite professional sports team is in last place and my second favorite team didn’t make the playoffs- arrrgg. My third favorite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, took home the cup last year by beating my Detroit Red Wings. That is not likely to happen again this year- for a variety of reasons.

Now, it’s important you know at least the first ever winner of the Stanley Cup and the last five victors so here they are:

The first ever winner was the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893

2009 Pittsburgh Penguins
2008 Detroit Red Wings
2007 Anaheim Mighty Ducks
2006 Carolina Hurricanes

OK, that is overload for most right now- so I will get back with you on Wednesday to discuss that night’s games and give you the relevant points of the Stanley Cup. I’d like to discuss "Sextrology" this week. I’ve had some really interesting interactions and am so excited to dive into Starsky & Cox's second book, "Cosmic Couplings." I have no doubt it will be as scintillating and evocative as the first. New York Times Best Seller list, here they come.