I'm really going to miss that Oiler/Wings matchup. Most exciting hockey I've ever seen, nevermind the upset factor.

I think that the Oilers reflected a better job of coaching. The Wings played really well IMO, and are the better-skilled, more athletically-talented team. But what I watched was that they were out-coached by creative strategy-flexing and the Oilers' ability to use new approaches at will. Kept the Wings off balance. They'd figure out how to play against things-- the V-trap for one-- and then the Oilers would shape-shift into another direction.

And-- that mean "Manny Chant" was wicked effective!

So I am looking forward to what their coach will try next.

As far as the next round matchups, I heard one of the commentators say recently that the matchups are not predetermined/bracketed as they are in some other sports-- that who plays whom will still be calculated by the seeding they came into the playoffs with. Can anyone clarify?

~Susan