Washington Capitals - The Caps are the top team the Devils should root for. The most obvious reason is because they are playing the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Every Devils fan would love to watch the Rangers get knocked out early. It would almost make up for them knocking the Devils out of playoff contention. Just for that, Lets go Caps! Now for real.

May 2, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with Capitals right wing Joel Ward (42) after the Capitals defeated the New York Rangers in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

New York Islanders - Let’s be honest, the Islanders are not a rival of the Devils. The Isles have not made the playoffs since 2007 and have been irrelevant in the Atlantic Division ever since. The New York Mets of the hockey world cannot be hated because of their recent history and how poorly they have played. Besides, if the Devils moved or did not exist, I believe the majority of Devils fans would be Islanders fans over the Rangers. Also, they are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins who are bigger rivals in my opinion. But the Isles have a very slim chance at beating the Pens, especially with Crosby back. Who does not like rooting for the underdog?

Ottawa Senators - The final team, the Senators, have had a rocky season to say the least. After losing Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, and goaltender Craig Anderson to injuries the Senators had everything going against them. All but Spezza have returned to the Senators lineup since then, but they were out for most of the season. Despite doubters, the Senators never lost hope at making the playoffs. Veterans like Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil, and Sergei Gonchar all stepped up to make that hope a reality. The Senators are in the midst of a series against the Montreal Canadiens and currently lead 1-0.

No matter who wins, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are always exciting. There have already been plenty of great hockey games played along with many more to come.

Ilya Kovalchuk was the most renowned Devils player to get selected. The Russian sniper has played in the tournament before and will help the Russians repeat as champions. The Russians won gold in 2012 with a 6-2 win over Slovakia. It will not be easy for the Russians to repeat because they are missing key players like Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Semin, and Pavel Datsyuk.

Joining Kovalchuk on the Russian roster is fellow Devil Andrei Loktionov. It is Loktionov’s first Championship and will make an impact on the team. Other NHL players on the Russian squad include Ilya Bryzgalov and Artem Anisimov.

Feb 7, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Stephen Gionta (11) hits Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron (47) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

One player not named to a roster shocked me, and that is Andy Greene. Greene was a great defenseman for the Devils this year and deserves to be team MVP. Why was he not named to the United States team is beyond me. But that is how it goes sometimes.

David Clarkson was not named to team Canada. However, I am not sure if he did not want to play or just was not selected, but I cannot imagine Canada not wanting Clarkson to play for them.

Mar 13, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) celebrates his goal scored on Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Without playoff hockey in New Jersey, the Devils players need some way to play the game they love, and this is a great way to do just that.