Why We Love The NHL Playoffs

And if you don't, this is why you should.

SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME

Are you finding yourself drinking an energy drink although its past midnight? What about clawing at your eyes to keep them open because you feel like dropping into a deep sleep immediately? There are plenty of you hockey nuts out there having these symptoms but it's all worth it isn't it? This is the NHL Playoffs! One of the most exciting events in all of sports (might be a little biased coming from a hockey writer.

So far in this year's playoffs, 21 of the first 62 games have required extra frames. That's an NHL record.

When the idea of shutting your eyes creeps in your mind, block it. Do something else. A true NHL fan cannot miss the glory of playoff overtime. No matter what.

Drink coffee, do jumping jacks. Slap yourself in the face. Desperate times call for desperate measures. No sleep..., no this is not a Beastie Boys song. No sleep till a... GOAL IS SCORED.

When the winning goal is scored..it's glorious. When your team is scored against in over time, its heart-breaking. When a teams season depends on one goal in sudden over time, it's brutal and witnessing all this action is incredible.

Too bad hockey isn't as popular here in the States like it is in Canada. Hockey fans could petition for a day off of work or school after a long overtime game. Wouldn't that be nice puck heads?

Playoff Goaltending

There's nothing like playoff goaltending, especially form an unexpected star.

Two words. Braden. Holtby. This kid played 21 NHL games before the 2012 playoffs started. Now, he is the reason why the Washington Capitals are staying alive in the playoffs. He outplayed the last season's Stanley Cup winner, Tim Thomas, when the Capitals eliminated the Bruins. Holtby boasts a .959 save percentage and a 1.29 goals against average so far in this year's playoffs.

This kid came out of nowhere. Unflappable in net and always in position. A twenty-two year old kid that is playing like a veteran. What a better story than that?

You cannot forget Mike Smith either. The puck handling we have seen so far from him is more than impressive. He's a bigger type of goaltender and has played a crucial role in his teams successes thus far.

Unprecedented 2012 coverage

For the first time in NHL history, all NHL playoffs games are broadcasted on television between NBC and its partner networks. For any hockey nut, this is some of the best news they can hear. If your a Phoenix fan living in Florida, you have no need to venture out to a noisy bar to support your team. Now, you can watch from the quiet comfort of your own home.

Some hockey fans have watched each and every minute of the 2012 playoffs. I am almost there, but work and school have called.

Point is, if you want to watch three games at once, you can, on cable. Having the ability to do this is unheard of. This is the best gift a crazed puck head can have