1. New York Islanders.

The New York Islanders haven't demonstrated nearly as much potential in past seasons as they have this season, and despite being a Blackhawks fan, I love seeing them do well. The Islanders have yet to win a Stanley Cup since their dynasty in the early '80s, and to have them go far in the playoffs would be a fanatic thing to watch. Jaroslav Halak is a fantastic man to have in, which allows the Isles to build upon a solid goaltending foundation. Add forwards John Tavares and Kyle Okposo to the equation, and the Islanders make for an unexpectedly dangerous playoff team.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Bolts always remained near the top of their standings for the majority of the regular season, and for good reason. The Lightning lead this season in goals, with 262. Ben Bishop currently is in net, coming off being one of the leagues winningest goalies, this past season. The Bolts have not won the cup since '04, and have been a fantastic example of what it means to take time in building a solid franchise. Stevie Stamkos, Ryan Callahan, and Tyler Johnson are powerful forwards, with Eric Brewer and Jason Garrison behind them to assist Bishop in keep pucks out of the net. To see the Bolts go far in this years playoffs would not be a surprise, but would sure be welcome.

3. St. Louis Blues.

The last team I would enjoy seeing win the Stanley Cup (I'm having trouble believing I really just said that) are the St. Louis Blues. You cannot say the Notes don't have a Stanley Cup coming to them -- they've yet to win one since their founding in 1967, despite numerous playoff and championship appearances. They present what is debatably one of the most well rounded teams in this year's playoffs, with Vladimir Tarasenko, T.J. Oshie the wonder-child, and David Backes, all fantastic forwards. Brian Elliot remains one of the playoffs' lesser-noted goalies, despite his consistent performances in net (did Marty give him a bit of god-like skill?). The Blues are, in my opinion, the most deserving team of this year's playoff lot. And for that, I begrudgingly admit it would be quite the sight to see them go far.