Any playoff matchup between two of the NHL's Original Six rivals, the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, is tantalizing enough on paper. Factor into the equation that a duel between goaltenders Carey Price and Henrik Lundqvist is the main subplot and it adds up to an intriguing first-round series, which gets underway Wednesday night in Montreal.

The Boston Bruins barely escaped a postseason matchup against the league-best Washington Capitals, but their "consolation prize" doesn't offer much relief. The Ottawa Senators, who swept the four-game series against the Bruins and have beaten them six times in a row, will host Boston on Wednesday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

For all of his considerable success, Sidney Crosby is as unassuming a superstar as there is in any major professional sport. Perhaps that's why the naturally even-keeled Crosby kept it close to the vest as his Pittsburgh Penguins begin the quest of defending their Stanley Cup championship in Wednesday's Game 1 of an Eastern Conference first-round series versus the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Minnesota Wild hope they found some answers with a four-game winning streak to end the regular season as they prepare to host Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. The Wild struggled through a baffling 4-11-2 stretch that took away a chance to win the Central Division but have turned the page, outscoring their last four opponents 17-9.

Connor McDavid ended the regular season with a 14-game point streak and hopes to carry it into the postseason when the Edmonton Oilers return after a lengthy absence to host the San Jose Sharks in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. McDavid collected seven goals and 18 assists during his run and finished with 100 points to capture the Art Ross Trophy.