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Which of the first round series will be the most (and least) exciting?

Paul Mara, Gregory Campbell

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Paul Mara (22) fights with Boston Bruins center Gregory Campbell (11) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Boston Thursday, March 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

AP

Now that we’ve gotten the more run-of-the-mill prediction posts out of the way, it’s time to get down to the more fun/arbitrary stuff. First things first, I thought I’d rank the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs’ first round series from most exciting to least exciting.

Note: Keep in mind that exciting doesn’t just mean “most intriguing stories.” The expected quality of the on-ice product means a lot, too. Also -- and this isn’t just lip service -- it’s important to note that all eight series have something going for them. This should be a fantastic first round.

1. Vancouver vs. Chicago

For the third consecutive year, the Canucks will try to beat the Blackhawks in a best-of-seven. Even without Dustin Byfuglien’s big body giving Roberto Luongo fits, this is about as interesting an eighth seed matchup as Vancouver can get. History isn’t the only reason this should be fun, though, as there’s plenty of talent on both sides of the ice.

2. Philadelphia vs. Buffalo

One underrated story going into this series is Danny Briere vs. Buffalo. Don’t forget, the Briere-led Sabres skated circles around Philly in a series that would eventually doom then-coach Ken Hitchcock and the Forsberg fueled Flyers. Along with that sneaky history comes two teams with plenty of variety on offense, with Philadelphia’s superior overall talent crashing head-first with Buffalo’s Ryan Miller trump card.

3. Boston vs. Montreal

Some people probably expected to see this series at No.1, but the one thing that holds me back is that both teams are defense-first clubs. In other words, the moments that aren’t hate-inspired and contentious could involve some really drab hockey. Hopefully the vitriol and raucous crowds (especially in Montreal) will help these teams transcend their yawn-inducing styles.

4. Washington vs. NY Rangers

This one would be higher if last year’s Capitals were involved, but believe it or not, the Rangers actually scored nine more goals than Washington this season. So on the negative side, this probably won’t be played a breakneck pace.

That being said, it should be a contentious series (the Caps cannot be happy about 6-0 and 7-0 losses from earlier this season) and might be evenly matched if Henrik Lundqvist plays like his all-world self.

5. Detroit vs. Phoenix

Hopefully this series will resemble 2010’s shockingly good (and surprisingly competitive) seven-game slugfest. One thing that points in the favor of solid series: Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is looking for a payday with his contract expiring in July. It probably won’t be enough for him to shut down the Red Wings’ high octane offense (even without Henrik Zetterberg), but it might motivate him to produce some inspired moments.

6. Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay

This would be great series with a 100 percent Sidney Crosby versus a full-strength Steven Stamkos, but Crosby probably won’t play and Stamkos seems a few strides short of his best work. With the Penguins low on ammo, they’ll probably try to make this a straight-forward series with little offensive artistry. On the bright side, Pittsburgh throws a lot of pucks on net so it shouldn’t be all bad.

7. Anaheim vs. Nashville

If the Ducks’ trio of top-end power forwards gets loose, this could be very entertaining. Simply put, watching Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan make music together is a pretty special thing. Heck, Teemu Selanne isn’t half bad himself.

Unfortunately, Predators coach Barry Trotz is too smart to let that happen, so these games could be a little dull at times. Then again, Nashville might show some serious fire because this might be their best chance to get to the second round for the first time ever.

8. San Jose vs. Los Angeles

These two teams hate each other, which should make for a spirited Battle of California.

Sadly, the two squads aren’t very evenly matched, which means the Kings might try to drag these games down to a slower, lower level. One cannot blame them since they’ll be skating without Anze Kopitar, but we don’t have to like it, either.
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So what do you think? Which series are you the most excited to see? Let us know in the comments.