The second round of the NHL playoffs started last night with a victory by the Montreal Canadians over the Philadelphia Flyers, and a huge win by the Detroit Red Wings over the Colorado Avalanche. Tonight’s action pits the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Rangers, and the San Jose Sharks against the Dallas Stars.

I have to admit (and please don’t think I’m being too smug here), but so far so good. I was surprised to see the Ottawa Senators swept in the first round, but good for Sid the Kid to get his team to the second round. I was kind of hoping on seeing Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals make it past Round One, but what are you gonna do? And so much for a repeat Stanley Cup win for the Anaheim Ducks. Whatev.

Anyway, here’s a glimpse of how things stand as of today. Good luck with your brackets! Don’t forget to get your NHL playoffs betting lines and NHL Stanley Cup odds while they’re hot…

Note: Unlike the NCAA Basketball Tournament, which is what most sports fans think of when they hear the word “bracket”, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are not based on a true bracket system. After the Conference Quarterfinals, the No. 1 seed is assured of playing the lowest-seeded team in the conference. The higher seed of any matchup receives home ice advantage.