Now that the NHL Regular Season is over, here is what this year's playoff bracket would look like under next year's new playoff format.

And the first utterance of bulletin board fodder is officially out there, as the Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom apparently felt that despite losing to the Rangers in the playoffs last year, Washington was the superior team (via Washington Post)...

“Obviously we felt we were better for seven games last year. We know they’re a good team and we played them before. It’s going to be a tough battle. I think we’re ready and they’re probably ready as well. It’s going to be, I think, a long series.”

...sorry Nick, but if you really were the better team, you wouldn't have let this happen...

Here's what else Capital players said about the series...

To watch at Blueshirts United, click here.

To watch at NHL.com, click here.

Game 1 - Thurs, 5/2, 7:30 p.m., Rangers at Washington
Game 2, Sat, 5/4, 12:30 p.m., Rangers at Washington
Game 3, Mon, 5/6, 7:30 p.m.  Washington at Rangers
Game 4, Wed, 5/8, 7:30 p.m.  Washington at Rangers
* Game 5, Fri, 5/10,  7:30 p.m., Rangers at Washington 
* Game 6, Sun, 5/12, TBD, Washington at Rangers 
* Game 7, Mon, 5/12, TBD, Rangers at Washington
* = if necessary

...a couple of observations. I'm very surprised to see the series start so late. I thought for sure it would get going tomorrow or Wednesday. This gives both teams four days inbetween their season finale and Game 1. Wonder how that'll mess with two team that ended the season scolding hot. Hey, that much more time for Clowe, Staal and Dorsett to get healthy.

...also, what's up with back-to-back Games 6 and 7? They spread the series out for two weeks and then try to cram in a Game 7? Terrible.

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Bergen Record - Gross: Capitals are a tough out

New York Post - Rangers hope separating top ‘D’ pair can pop Caps

Daily News - Playoff Grudge: Rangers brace for fight with Caps 

New York Times - As Playoffs Near, Stepan’s Game Value Exceeds Name Value

Newsday - Rangers, Caps meet in playoffs third straight year

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Great video by friend of the blog Josh S....

...i can watch these playoff pump-up videos all day long.

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The Rangers have announced that Michael Haley along with nine other members of the CT Whlae have been recalled for the playoffs. Haley, however, will be the only one who will practice with the Blueshirts and travel with the team to Washington for the start of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The others, who include Dylan McIlrath, JT Miller, Christian Thomas, Brandon Segal, Brandon Mashinter, Ryan Bourque, Stu Bickel, Cam Talbot and Jason Missiaen, will skate on their own as a Taxi Squad of Black Aces in case they are needed as the playoffs progress.

...this move has me kind of worried about Clowe's status to start this series. I mean, why else would Haley practice with the team if Newbury's already been recalled? Assuming we'll get a full and thorough injury report on Clowe from Torts tomorrow. LOL!

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Larry Brooks at the New York Post says that after witnessing the Staal Family Reunion in Carolina on Thursday, the Rangers should be worried — very worried — about losing Marc Staal to the Hurricanes when the defenseman become a free agent in two years.

Staal's cap hit is $3.975 million per.

...to be honest, the last thing I'm worried about right now is whether Staal stays with the Rangers in two years. I'm way more interested in his health and if he'll be a part of this year's playoff run.

Now that the 2013 regular season is in the books for the New York Rangers, it's time to have a little fun. Let us revisit the season predictions of The New York Rangers Blog and see how right, or dead wrong, we all were.

First up, congratulations are in order for Adam Herman. He got NOTHING wrong, primarily because he didn't bother to make any predictions. Way to play it safe, Hermie.

Let's begin with the master himself... "Muted" Kevin DeLury. He decided to "reverse mush" the Rangers, hoping they would far exceed the lowest of low expectations he set.

Here are a sample of DeLury's bold predictions:

“That's what I signed up for. There's not a bigger stage. I think great athletes love the pressure and we're there now.” - Rick Nash (via Blueshirts United)

Yes it is Rick. Yes it is. I congratulate you an a tremendous first regular season on Broadway, now go get us a Stanley Cup.

How's that for pressure?

In all seriousness, I love this quote from Nash. The guy has been everything and more and I'm confident he'll take his game to the next level in the postseason.

I'm sure he's seen some raucous crowds at MSG this season that made the atmosphere in Columbus seem like church, but that's nothing compared to what he and the other new guys are going to experience starting in Game 3 sometime this week.

Nash has captured scoring titles, appeared in All Star Games and won a gold medal, but in my opinion he ain't @hit until he proves himself on the biggest stage in the world in the most pressure packed environment.

Here's Nash's two goals vs. the Devils yesterday...

Here's what else Nash said after yesterday's 4-0 win over the Devils...