The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs features 16 teams in eight best-of-7 series, which start Saturday. Today, NHL.com previews the Eastern Conference First Round between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens.

The Montreal Canadiens said all the right things before the season started, but it’s worth wondering if they believed they’d claim a playoff spot. It’s hard to go from the league’s basement to the playoffs in one season,

Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman David Savard confirmed to reporters Friday he will retire at the end of the Habs’ playoff run. TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie also confirmed that Savard told the front office about his decision a few weeks ago.