This morning on WTOP, Dave Johnson suggested the Caps bring in Jim Mora to start off the festivities by yelling “Playoffs?! Playoffs?!” Not a bad idea, though I thought a commercial of Alex Ovechkin standing at a podium yelling that would be even funnier.

Funny anecdote: A colleague and I were talking and I noted that he had “good playoff beard going.” We both laughed because he doesn’t follow hockey closely, but is aware of the Capitals impressive season. He indicated that he was surprise that the Capitals overtook Carolina at the end of the season. “Man, Carolina was on top of the division all season long, I don’t know how they could of not gotten in.” I then reminded him that he is a Mets fan.

In hockey, there is no America’s team (other than the 1980 Olympic Team), but could the Caps be “the World’s team (The Post)?” They are big in Russia, but that is because there are lots of Russians on the roster, just like the 1990s Red Wings. As for the huge media presence we’re seeing, the Caps are flavor of the season, but could quickly see that turn on them. Not that it matters to me, they are my team either way.

Ted Leonis is chatting on washingtontimes.com at 2 p.m. The Wall Street Journal had a big [expletive] Q&A with Leonsis too. He is blogging up a storm.

Tarik El-Bashir, Post beatwriter, is also chatting at 2 p.m.

Okay, now time for my prediction:

There will be blood*

I expect Philly to rough it up as much as they can, but avoid going directly at Alex Ovechkin for a couple of reasons. He’s big and can hit, plus he is a superstar and taking out a superstar isn’t a great idea in a sport like the NHL. This is subject to change if the Flyers go down 0-2. I expect the Flyers to go after Alexander Semin and Nickolas Backstrom more than anybody. As for Ovechkin, I expect him to have a strong series, but he may start off a little slow since Philly will be gunning for him. Guys like Brooks Laich and Mike Green are going to need to help. I also expect big things out of Sergei Federov who has been here before and seems quite excited to be back.

I’m taking the Washington in six.

*Since the other La Coupe Hauxer governors think that the playoffs don’t count in the standings (WTF?), I’m tempted to make a bet with the Flyers governor on the series. Keeping with the theme, I’m going to suggest a milkshake. A simply cheap bet with an opportunity to use one of the best lines (from a movie I haven’t seen) in recent memory.