The 2012 NHL draft took place over the weekend at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Even though 211 prospects were taken in this year’s draft, the headlines of the draft seemed to be about what the teams were doing with their current rosters. What do you think the biggest story line was from this year’s 2012 draft?

A) The Edmonton Oilers draft forward Nail Yakupov with their third consecutive 1^st overall pick.

B) The Pittsburgh Penguins trade center Jordan Staal to the Carolina Hurricanes (whose Captain is Eric Staal, Jordan’s older brother) in exchange for center Brandon Sutter, defenseman Brian Dumoulin and the 8^th overall pick in the 2012 draft, defenseman Derrick Pouliot. Extra note - Jordan Staal was in the process of getting married when he was trade to the ‘Canes.

C) The Philadelphia Flyers trade winger James Van Riemsdyk to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn (whose younger brother, Brayden Schenn, plays for Flyers).

D) The Boston Bruins draft goalie Malcolm Subban, younger brother to division rival P.K. Subban of the Montreal Canadiens.

E) Your Pick. 

The 2010-2011 NHL regular season has officially come to an end, and the playoff schedules have been set. Here is how we think the playoff race will shake out.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Matchups:

(1)   Washington Capitals vs. (8) New York Rangers

(2)   Philadelphia Flyers vs. (7) Buffalo Sabres

(3)   Boston Bruins vs. (6) Montreal Canadiens

(4)   Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference Quarterfinal Matchups:

(1)   Vancouver Canucks vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks

(2)   San Jose Sharks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings

(3)   Detroit Red Wings vs. (6) Phoenix Coyotes

(4)   Anaheim Ducks vs. (5) Nashville Predators

Eastern Conference Semifinals Matchups:

(1)   Washington Capitals vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

(2)   Philadelphia Flyers vs. (3) Boston Bruins

Western Conference Semifinals Matchups:

(1)   Vancouver Canucks vs. (7) Los Angeles Kings

(2)   Detroit Red Wings vs. (5) Nashville Predators

Conference Finals Matchups:

(2) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (5) Tampa Bay Lightning

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (2) Detroit Red Wings

Stanley Cup Finals Matchup:

(5)   Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (2) Detroit Red Wings

Stanley Cup Winner: Detroit Red Wings

How do you think the 2011 NHL playoffs will finish out?