Last season was a magical year in Chicago when they won 4-2 over The Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals. The extremely young Blackhawks team finished the regular season with a 52-22-8 record, good enough for the 2nd seed in the Western Conference.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators

The Pens finished in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division last season. But after that Pittsburgh lost to Montreal Canadiens in seven games in the playoff. Last season's second-round exit proved that it doesn't matter where they're seeded, they need to find another gear when the games matter more. Dan Bylsma is entering his third season as Penguins head coach. He has earned the right to be called one of the NHL's top bench bosses.  The team, on paper, is one of the best Pittsburgh have had in a long time and they should be among the favorites to win the Cup. There are the leadership and talent. They have good forward depth and play a fast-paced game.

The main theme for the visitors in 2010/2011 is the bounce-back, and they need some serious bouncing back. They have far greater offensive depth than they've had in years. The right chemistry created more than one dangerous line. Ottawa can score from the first, second, and third lines. They have balanced scoring, good goaltending and a crowded but dependable defense. But there is the big question if the players who played poorly last season will turn it around this year. This team has the potential to surprise a lot of people, or to epically fail in trying.

• I expect more goals in this match. Home win at 1.90 at Bwinand over 5,5 goals at 1.87 at Bwin.

Chicago Blackhawks vs St. Louis Blues

Last season was a magical year in Chicago when they won 4-2 over The Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals. The extremely young Blackhawks team finished the regular season with a 52-22-8 record, good enough for the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. They're loaded at forward, from the established stars to the burgeoning stars. The hosts have the best team we've seen at Chicago in decades. If the first goalie Turco stay healthy, the Hawks will win the Central Division again. Even with Campbell injured, Chicago still have enough talent to be the top team in the West.

The 2009/2010 season was one to forget for the visitors as they finished in 4th place in the Central Division. But this season should be a step in the right direction. There is enough talent in their squad. With strong goaltending (Jaroslav Halak, Ty Conklin) and more consistency are the Blues very dangerous team. They must improve on their offensive numbers while keeping the defensive mentality they found last years. Young forwards like Boyes, Backes, Oshie and Berglund need to be huge offensively for St. Louis this year.

• The Blues cannot be under-estimated as under-dogs, but the Hawks are favorites for this clash... home win at 1.95 at and Bwin