The NHL playoff picture is set, and while the regular season has a few final acts, the chase for the Stanley Cup is officially on. For fans of teams like the Detroit Red Wings or Chicago Blackhawks who are on the outside looking in, the postseason still offers plenty of drama—especially if you're a Michigan State Spartans fan looking for a green and white connection to rally behind.

Surprisingly, only five former MSU skaters are currently on NHL rosters, a number that highlights a transitional period for the program but promises growth as Adam Nightingale's recruits develop. Of those five, three have earned a ticket to the dance, giving Spartans faithful a clear rooting interest in the tournament.

The quest for the Cup begins this Saturday. Will you be backing a team with Spartan pride on its roster, supporting your local club, or hoping to see a Canadian team end a championship drought dating back to 1993? Whoever you cheer for, the intensity of playoff hockey is unmatched.