The NHL playoffs are set to kick off in a return to near normalcy after two years under the shadow of COVID-19.

And as the post-season looms, many are wondering whether this is the year Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid will lead their teams to glory, whether the Calgary Flames will up their game, or if the Lightning is poised for a three-peat.

National post sports writer Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why this post-season is so important to the league, what match-ups to keep an eye on in the first round, and what teams could surprise fans this year.

Background reading: Fans might want to prepare themselves for the possibility that the Leafs will lose in the first round

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