re: I'm considering getting into hockey, help me pick a team

They aren't in the playoffs so they certainly aren't a power team. But I've been following the Canucks for the last 25 years or so and they always let me down so if it's heartache you want go Canucks. They've also got a decent enough color scheme that I don't mind wearing their gear (used to hate the brown, yellow and orange).

But if you want tradition you can't really go wrong with any of the "Original 6".

Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston Bruins
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
New York Rangers