Barry Melrose, ESPN’s only hockey analyst, will now be making daily Sportscenter appearances, as the NHL playoffs has begun. This is a joy to anyone who enjoys dry wit, honesty, and overt sarcasm. Melrose must truly despise ESPN for relegating him during the regular season to a tw0 day a week sideshow, when he used to be a full-time in studio analyst. Additionally, he must despise ESPN for making the NHL a two day a week, two minute sideshow during the regular season. However, Barry gets his revenge for the next two months and I couldn’t be happier.

In regards to the NHL playoffs last night, the only big surprise (and a big one it was) was the Calgary Flames winning at the Shark Tank (or HP Pavilion) in game 1 of their series with the Sharks. If the Flames win Game 2 and return to the Saddledome with a 2-0 lead, this series is over and seemingly everyone’s (except for mine (Penguins) and Matt’s (Bruins…)) pick to win the cup will be, again, ousted too early.

I’d also like to welcome readers David and Sylwia to the fold. It makes me very happy to have new readers at Mid-Atlantic Bias. David hates sports, but loves zombies. Sylwia is a huge New Jersey Devils fan. Talking about zombies would push Mid-Atlantic Bias into “Shark Jumping” territory and I don’t see the Devils getting past the Rangers, so I may soon lose two readers.

I sneakily alluded to the NBA in yesterday’s post and the fact that I have ignored the Association for the past few weeks. It’s not that I haven’t been following what’s going on, but here’s the deal: The Eastern Conference situation is set in stone. The second round of the playoffs will include the Magic, Celtics, Pistons, and Cavaliers. I would be shocked if the Hawks, Raptors, Wizards, or 76ers advanced past Round 1 (though for the sake of argument, I’d most expect it from Philly). As for the Western Conference, the situation is so fluid there that, really, what’s the point of me making a prediction if it’s just going to look foolish by the end of the week? The answer: It gives me something to write about.

Here’s how I see the West finishing out this season:

1. Los Angeles Lakers
-With Pau Gasol back, this team is back to being the best in the West, at least on paper.
2. New Orleans Hornets
-I’m not getting off the bandwagon. I still think they’re the best team in the West, once the game is played on court. Their remaining schedule, however, is not as easy as LA’s.
3. Utah Jazz
-The Western Conference X-Factor. When they’re on they can beat anyone in a 7 game series. They just need to start playing better basketball on the road.
4. San Antonio Spurs
-Anything I say has already been said. Uncanny ability to compete at a high level every year. Not very dangerous, in my opinion, however, this year.
5. Phoenix Suns
-They’ve somehow righted the ship post-the “Big Cactus” trade. They don’t scare me very much, however.
6. Houston Rockets
-I don’t think they’re a contender out West. They’re a 6 seed because when you win 22 consecutive games, your record is going to be pretty good. However, they won 22 consecutive and I think they’ll be a 6 seed. That’s saying something.
7. Dallas Mavericks
-Not a very good team.
8. Golden State Warriors
-I’m going with my heart here, because I like Nellie-ball and I don’t really want to see Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith, and 9-28 shooting Allen Iverson in the playoffs. I also think the Warriors have a outside shot of winning the West if they can steer clear of the Jazz, who offer them a pretty large matchup problem.

And there you have it:

Los Angeles vs. Golden State
New Orleans vs. Dallas
Utah vs. Houston
San Antonio vs. Phoenix

While I am procrastinating with my Round 2 Mock Draft, understand my insane levels of excitement for my NBA Mock Draft which you can expect in a month and a half.

Game O’ The Day: We’re sticking with the NHL Playoffs, kids. Tonight’s slate of games features Nashville and Detroit, Boston and Montreal, and Anaheim and Dallas in Game 1 of their series. However, the Game o’ The Day is Game Two of San Jose and Calgary. A must win for the Sharks.

There may be no Mid-Atlantic Bias tomorrow as I will be entertaining a visitor to the D.C. Metro Area. So try to mentally prepare yourself for a lack of Mid-Atlantic Bias for the next three days. Have a lovely weekend.