The first round of the playoffs has been very interesting, each series containing many fascinating subplots and stories. Here's Brad Kurtzberg's inside analysis and observations from the thrilling first round of the 2008 NHL playoffs.

They didn't make it look pretty; they didn't even make it look good. They just made it work. And in the end, Nicklas Lidstrom and the Detroit Red Wings were just a little too much for the upstart Nashville Predators to handle.

Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals between Detroit and Nashville ended the same way as Game 1, with a Red Wings win, but Nashville didn’t go down without a fight. The Red Wings took advantage of all their breaks to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Henrik Zetterberg's two third period goals vaulted the Detroit Red wings to a 3-1 victory in the Game One of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Nashville Predators. Detroit fired twice as many shots on goal and their offensive advantage finally paid off late in the game.

The Red Wings and Predators will meet in round one of the Western Conference playoffs. Detroit finished with the NHL’s best regular season record, giving them the number one seed, while the Predators weren’t even expected to make the playoffs.

Throughout the 2007-08 season, photographer Wes Cunningham will cover numerous NHL games for Inside Hockey. Click here to view a sampling of his work, including a recent game between the Nashville Predators and the St. Louis Blues...

This year's race for the Jack Adams Award as Coach of the Year is wide open. There are at least five worthy candidates: Bruce Boudreau, Guy Carbonneau, Wayne Gretzky, Brent Sutter and Barry Trotz. Here's a look at how the top contenders measure up...