The NHL playoffs start Wednesday and the chase for the Stanley Cup will be underway. 16 teams enter the playoffs with hopes of hoisting the cup. It should be a thrilling opening round.

Of the eight series, I see five as being very comptetitive and three being fairly one-sided.

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Montreal Canadiens vs. No. 8 Boston Bruins

Montreal has won the last 11 contests between the two teams dating back to last season. Montreal only has one question mark: their starting goalie, Carey Price, is a rookie and playoff newbie.

My pick: Montreal in 5 games.

No. 2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 7 Ottawa Senators

Now that Crosby is back and healthy Pittsburgh is one of the best teams in the NHL. Ottawa, on the other hand, has struggled the second half of the year and backed into the playoffs. Without Daniel Alfredsson the Senators have no chance.

My pick: Pittsburgh in 4 games.

No. 3 Washington Capitals vs. No. 6 Philadelphia Flyers

This series holds possibly the two most underrated teams in the NHL. The two teams are on some of the biggest hot streaks in the NHL. Philadelphia struggled last month but finished off strong to make the playoffs. Washington won 11 of its last 12 games to make the playoffs by one game.

My pick: Washington in 7 games.

No. 4 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 5 New York Rangers

This is probably the best match up on the Eastern side of the playoffs. This is a series containing two bitter rivals, so tt's going to be close and hard-hitting. New Jersey has the home advantage, but they may be relying on goaltender Martin Brodeur too much.

My pick: New York in 6 games.

Western Conference

No. 1 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 8 Nashville Predators

Detroit had the best record in the NHL this season, but don't let that fool you. They struggled the entire second half of the season. Nashville can be a dangerous team and played the Red Wings close all year. This could be a big upset.

My pick: Detroit in 7 games.

No. 2 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 7 Calgary Flames

San Jose has been the dominant West team in the second half of the season. Calgary has been suspect many times this year. Neither team has won many home games compared to other playoff teams, so whichever team can edge out a few home wins will be playing in round two.

My pick: San Jose in 5 games.

No. 3 Minnesota Wild vs. No. 6 Colorado Avalanche

The Wild finished the season strong, only losing two games in regulation in their last 14. The Avalanche finished stronger, winning five of their final six. The series should be exciting with two big hockey towns as the hosts.

My pick: Minnesota in 6 games.

No. 4 Anaheim Ducks vs. No. 5 Dallas Stars

The Ducks are the defending champions, and the Stars are a perennial hockey power. This should be one of the more competitive series, and multiple games in this on could provide overtime. The winner of this series could likely find themselves in the Stanley Cup.

My pick: Stars in 7 games.

Knoxville Ice Bears

The Ice Bears advanced to the finals of the Southern Professional Hockey League playoffs by beating the Columbus Cottonmouths 6-3 on Tuesday night.

After taking a 2-0 lead in the series, Knoxville lost games three and four but were able to win the series when it came back to Knoxville.

The Ice Bears will play the winner of a best-of-three series between the Jacksonville Barracudas and the Fayetteville FireAntz with a chance to win a second SPHL title in the past three years.