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As the NHL 2016-17 regular season fades into the background, all focus is on the Stanley Cup playoffs, which begin on Wednesday, April 12. Sixteen teams will face off in some highly-contested series, however the Washington Capitals remain a favorite among the league’s best. The action begins Wednesday with five first-round games. The Boston Bruins visit the Ottawa Senators, while the Montreal Canadiens host the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. ET. The defending Stanley Cup champion, the Pittsburgh Penguins also open their postseason on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Edmonton Oilers will make their first postseason in 10 seasons when they face the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Wild will face-off against the St. Louis Blues on home ice at 9:30 p.m. ET. Here's a look at this week's power rankings as the playoffs get underway. (Getty)