Since rivalries drive interest, it's no surprise the NBC Sports Group is thrilled with the eight matchups it will broadcast in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"This is probably going to be the best playoffs we've had, and we've had it on NBC for nine years now," said Pierre McGuire, NBC's lead Inside the Glass analyst.
"This has got a chance to be one of the most memorable playoffs we've had in the last 20 years."
For the third straight year NBC will broadcast every game of the playoffs on its series of networks, using the main network plus cable outlets NBC Sports Network, CNBC and NHL Network. The matchups this season are dictated by the NHL's division-based playoff format and feature five regional rivalries and an Original Six clash.