2012 Stanley Cup Finals: The Top 6 Contenders to Win the Title

It is time for hockey's unshaven beards heralding the return of the NHL playoffs to make an appearance once again.  The Stanley Cup looms ahead for 16 teams who have literally fought for the opportunity to claim this coveted trophy as their own. 

Here is a list of the top six contenders to win the Stanley Cup.

Nashville Predators

Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are two essential reasons for the Predators' success this season.  

Both defenders spent over 26 minutes on the ice per game, and their contributions helped keep the goals against Nashville to 2.57 per game.   

Their time spent skating was productive offensively too.  Weber supplied 19 goals and 30 assists, and Suter tallied 39 assists. 

A weakness for Nashville has been its historic inability to win playoff games past the first round.

Detroit Red Wings

Nicklas Lidstrom, dubbed the best player of the decade, is healthy again. 

Detroit's captain will be in familiar territory during the NHL playoffs, considering he has won the Stanley Cup on four occasions.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues have compiled an unbelievable home record, managing 34 wins. 

Their defense has been impenetrable this season.  Between the two goalies, Halack and Elliot, St. Louis has managed 15 shutouts, and have held its opponents to 1.86 goals per game.

If the old adage that "defense wins championships" is true, St. Louis certainly has an excellent shot at the Stanley Cup.

New York Rangers

Henrik Lundqvist has been the most consistent goalie this season as he has maintained a 93 percent save percentage. 

If he can perform to this caliber during the postseason, the Rangers stand a good chance of reaching the finals.

The Rangers' edge stems from a reliable, deep bench which has helped them remain fresh.

Their bench's productivity will be crucial as players begin to tire from constant playoff games. 

Vancouver Canucks

The Sedin twins have led Vancouver to 107 points this season. 

 Henrik has amassed 65 assists, while Daniel has scored 30 times. 

Vancouver's edge, which will be important in a seven-game series, is their consistency both on the road and at home.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have managed to compile 102 points without their star player, Sidney Crosby, who has recently returned from being out with a concussion.

Despite lacking their captain for most of the season, Pittsburgh has performed well. 

With Crosby back in the lineup and putting up substantial numbers, the Penguins appear to be the juggernaut going into the NHL playoffs.  He has managed 29 points in 18 games.

Evengi Malkin has led the Penguins and the league with 104 points.  Now that Crosby is in the offense again, this team is the one to beat.