I am somewhat conflicted about the way things are going.
Although it would KILL my bracket on the West, I would love to see the Preds in the finals for several reasons:
a) They'll be easier to beat
b) I don't think the Hawks are all that and a bag of chips. They have some future hall of famers but I don't think that they deserved to have 2 of the 3 that were named to the NHL all time greatest 100 players. Better players (active and retired) were passed over because the Hawks won 3 of the last 6 years. I wish they had only retired players in the list but, since active players are named, then Cindy does deserve to be named in the top 100 because of his skills.
Finally,
c) If the Bruins and Preds go to the finals (a long shot I know) I get a free ticket.
Next come the Habs/Rangers. Who do I hate more? I would have to say the Habs. After all, I am a Bruins fan and that's what we do. If the Bs aren't in the final I would like to see King Henry win the big prize and his chances go down each year he gets older. That said, Bruins have no love for the Rangers either. Oh, and my bracket says the Habs move to the next round. GREAT hockey being played by both teams. A real treat to watch.
Caps/Toronto: Trots is a great coach and Ovi is a real mensch. He's bought into being a team player and I'd like to see him beat the curse but not against Boston.
Pens/Blue Jackets: No conflict here. (surprised?) I would gladly have the East side of my bracket ruined to see the Pens playing golf later this month. Unfortunately the Blue Jackets are a long shot.