Stanley Cup Finals Schedule 2012: Breaking Down Key Players for Game 1

With Game 1 of the 2012 Stanley Cup finals set for Wednesday night, the excitement over the biggest series of the year is unfathomable.

All NHL fans are ready for the action, and there are certain key players on both teams that must step up for their squad to walk away victorious.

Game 1 will set the tone for the series, and the winner will go on to win the Stanley Cup.

Full Stanley Cup Schedule

Game 1: May 30 8:00 p.m. EDT @NJD (TV: NBC, CBC)

Game 2: Jun 2 8:00 p.m. EDT @NJD (TV: NBC, CBC)

Game 3: Jun 4 8:00 p.m. EDT @LOS (TV: NBCS, CBC)

Game 4: Jun 6 8:00 p.m. EDT @LOS (TV: NBCS, CBC)

Game 5: Jun 9 8:00 p.m. EDT @NJD (TV: NBC, CBC)

Game 6: Jun 11 8:00 p.m. EDT @LOS (TV: NBC, CBC)

Game 7: Jun 13 8:00 p.m. EDT @NJD (TV: NBC, CBC)

Key Players

Martin Brodeur

While it’s true that New Jersey Devils veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur is 40 years old, he isn’t playing like it. The future Hall of Famer is making the Devils look smart for holding onto him when most said he was washed up.

Brodeur has looked amazing at times this postseason, racking up an impressive 2.04 goals against average and a save percentage of .923. Not bad for the NHL’s old man.

The Devils are predicated around strong defensive hockey, so if Brodeur is playing well, the Kings won’t be able to beat New Jersey and the veteran netminder.

Jonathan Quick

As good as Marty Brodeur has been this postseason, he will play second fiddle in Game 1 and throughout the Stanley Cup finals to the better goalie right now, Jonathan Quick.

With an amazing 12-2 record this postseason to go along with his 1.54 goals against average and save percentage of .946, Quick has outplayed Broduer and has been far more consistent.

Unfortunately for Quick, the offense in front of him has been terribly inconsistent all season.

Prediction: New Jersey 2, Los Angeles 1

With a battle of the goaltenders on full display, this game will be a defensive battle with the occasional goals coming off the mistakes of the skaters.

This series is all about capitalizing on the other team’s mistakes. Both the Kings and Devils are great defensive teams and will not give up many opportunities. New Jersey has more experience in that area and will walk away from Game 1 with a victory.

Check back for more on the National Hockey League as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NHL page to get your fill of all things hockey.

Follow @Donald_Wood