Most teams like to rely on one goalie throughout the playoffs, but it is in the Red Wings' best interests to stick with their regular season plan of giving both Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood plenty of work. At this point in his career, Hasek may not be able to play at such a high level if he plays every game of the Stanley Cup grind. In addition, Osgood has earned the right to play as he has put up better numbers throughout the season than Hasek.

Hasek started round one, but Osgood took over when "The Dominator" faltered. Once Osgood cools off a bit, expect Mike Babcock to go back to Hasek. The switching of goalies will make for some tough coaching decisions, but if Babcock can manage it well, it will ultimately be what's best for the Red Wings.

It seems to me there's something wrong with the banning of octopuses at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. That's almost like banning Dodger Dogs at baseball games in Los Angeles or dog masks at football games in Cleveland. It's just part of the culture of the arena. As disgusting looking as the tradition is, it just isn't the playoffs unless somebody is throwing an octopus on the ice in Detroit.

Don't feel too bad for the parents of Marc (Rangers) and Jordan (Penguins) Staal. For the first time, two of their kids are facing each other in the playoffs, but it almost certainly won't be the last time. The Staals are the new Sutters or maybe the new Plagers of the NHL. One thing is sure, one Staal brother will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The two brothers have already said they won't be going out to dinner with each other or even talking much during the upcoming series.

In the first round, Marc said that Jordan sent him a text message after the puck went off his skate and into the Rangers net to end game three of the series in overtime. Look for them to resume "normal" sibling relationships in a week or two. For now, they are just opponents but it's great to see another group of brothers in the NHL. Look for a fourth Staal (Jared, now with Sudbury of the OHL) to come soon to an NHL rink near you.

Both the Canadiens and the Flyers played a sloppy, sluggish game one last night. Both teams had played seven game opening round series and it showed. Neither team was crisp with their passes, most of the goals were off bad bounces and there was not as much hitting as one would expect in a second round playoff game. Look for the quality of play to pick up in game two.

Peter Forsberg's health really leaves the Avalanche in a tough situation. When healthy, Forsberg changes the complexion of a game and opponents have to account for him. He is also still a force when he plays but Forsberg is probably never going to be healthy enough to play even 70 games a season again. It will be a lot harder for the Avs to stay with the Red Wings if Forsberg is not available.

New Canucks GM Mike Gillis made a typical statement when he said the team was far from being a Stanley Cup contender at his introductory press conference. I don't necessarily disagree with the analysis, but the Canucks aren't THAT far off, either. They have one of the league's best goalies and a solid defense when healthy although they lack scoring depth. If they hadn't been plagued by the injury bug this season, they were almost certainly a playoff team. Gillis is doing his best to lower expectations and buy himself some more time to make the team over in the image and style he wants to create. Gillis refused to say whether or not the Sedin twins would be a part of the "new look" Canucks.

It was great to see veteran Owen Nolan contributing for the Flames in the opening round of the playoffs. Just a few seasons ago, Nolan's career appeared to be over due to injury. While he's no longer a 40-goal scorer like he was in his prime with the Sharks, he is still a capable offensive player and provides valuable leadership for the Flames.

The Sharks will need to elevate their game if they hope to get by the Dallas Stars in round two. For some reason, San Jose has not shown an ability to take their game up a notch in the playoffs despite having as much talent as any team in the league. Unless San Jose wins at least one more playoff round, look for Ron Wilson's tenure as coach to end.

Round two should be at least as exciting as round one. I'll have more on the playoffs and other goings on around the league in "Brad's Barbs" twice a week until the Stanley Cup is lifted later this spring.