Stanley Cup Playoffs 2012: Final Games That Could Be a Preview of the Postseason

With the NHL regular season almost over, each game is as important as ever. Since this is the last week of the regular season, there will be increased hockey coverage provided by NBC and the NBC Sports Network.

With that in mind, lets take a look at some remaining regular-season games that could be a preview of things to come.

Some of the matchups may be determined already, and others could be a preview of the conference semifinals or finals.

What prime time matchups should you be watching this week? Click on for five great games that are sure to razzle and dazzle.

If you think there is a game that I overlooked, post it in the comments section below, and there is a good chance I can add it to the list.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Date: April 7, 2012

Network: NBC Sports

Time: 4:00 p.m. ET

After watching this video, need I say more?

Both teams will be out for blood and home-ice advantage.

Given how each team has flipped back and forth, there is a good chance that these two will still be battling between No. 4 and No. 5 next Saturday.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings

Date: April 7, 2012

Network: NBC

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

The Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings have a storied history and rivalry. The division is so tight that one point currently separates the two teams.

Right now, the Red Wings are the fourth seed, and the Blackhawks are sixth, but considering the tightness of the division, there is a good chance that they could meet in the first round.

Even if the two finish where they don't meet in the first round, the intensity of this potential matchup would be amplified if they met in the second or third round of the playoffs.

No matter how you slice it, there will be some intensity in this matchup at Joe Louis Arena.

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Date: April 5, 2012

Network: NBC Sports

Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

The New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins have battled for the Atlantic Division week after week. The Rangers are a point away from clinching the division and the conference.

This matchup could be about bragging rights and momentum if the Rangers and Penguins already have their seeds locked up.

The Penguins hold a 4-1 advantage in the season series, so whoever wins this game could gain a real edge for a potential playoff matchup.

Both teams are locked and loaded for a playoff run, so this matchup will be one that should keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators

Date: April 5, 2012

Network: NESN

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

This game will not be nationally broadcast, but there is a good chance that the NHL Network may pick up the game, because of it's importance and playoff potential.

It is almost set in stone that the No. 2 Boston Bruins will square off against the No. 7 Ottawa Senators.

Both teams battled all year in the Northeast Division, and at one point, it appeared the Senators could have overtaken the defending Cup champs. However, the Bruins hit a hot streak, and the Senators started to cool.

Ultimately, this potential first-round matchup will be neck and neck. Boston has a goaltending edge, Ottawa has a scoring edge when it comes to the amount of weapons, and it is a dead heat when it comes to defense.

This matchup should be a great preview for things to come, and the winning team can gain a significant psychological advantage.

St. Louis Blues vs. Detroit Red Wings

Date: April 4, 2012

Network: NBC Sports

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

The Detroit Red Wings have been a playoff favorite for years. The St. Louis Blues are, in a sense, the new kid on the block when it comes to being considered a western powerhouse.

In net, Jimmy Howard can keep the Wings in a game as well as Brian Elliot or Jaroslav Halak can for the Blues.

Both teams have skilled two-way forwards and talented defenders, so this game and potential playoff matches would be low in scoring.

However, Detroit has Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, who can be game-changers when a team needs a late goal. 

The bottom line is this: Both teams can grind, hit, check, defend and score when necessary, so in a game of inches, whichever team makes a mistake will ultimately lose.

Tom Urtz Jr is an NHL featured columnist.

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