If I were to make a prediction now, I'd have New Jersey and San Jose in the finals. And both are available at double-digit odds (to win the Stanley Cup) as the playoffs begin.

Arizona State has way too much offense in a pro-style conference for Rutgers, and Rutgers does not impress me at all. The game is in Phoenix although it's not a home game per se for Arizona State (as it takes place at Bank One Ballpark). Rutgers is excited about being there, but that's half the problem. They might be overwhelmed.

The Rangers backed into the playoffs, and if you can stop (their leading scorer) Jaromir Jagr, you can stop the Rangers. I think teams have learned how to do that.

I can't ignore what Arizona State of the Pac-10 did to Northwestern earlier this year.