2012 NHL Playoff Bracket: Last-Minute Odds for First-Round Matchups

With the 2012 NHL playoff bracket already set in stone, it’s just a matter of time before the games are in full swing.

Before that happens, though, it’s time to figure out the odds for every team in the playoffs making it past their first-round matchups.

In one of the wildest years in NHL history, the ridiculously tight playoff race will lead to some of the best first-round wars in the memory of NHL fans.

Buckle up folks, the NHL postseason is going to be a bumpy ride!

Enjoy this printable, March Madness-style bracket courtesy of BeforeHittingtheSportsbook.com

1. New York Rangers (109 Pts) vs. 8. Ottawa Senators (92 Pts)

Regular season series (Senators lead 3-1)

New York’s Odds—With the top record in the Eastern Conference and a stellar goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers have to be a serious favorite. The problem is that the one playoff team that truly has their number will be the one they face.

66 percent

Ottawa’s Odds—As mediocre as Ottawa has been all season, they have played well in big games and have dominated New York for the majority of the season. If the Senators get solid goaltending now, they have a serious chance to upset.

34 percent

2. Boston Bruins (102 Pts) vs. 7. Washington Capitals (92 Pts)

Regular season series (Capitals lead 3-1)

Boston’s Odds—As good as Boston has been all season, they get one of the worst possible first-round matchups they could have ever dreamed of. If the Capitals can rattle goalie Tim Thomas, this series could go to Washington.

60 percent

Washington’s Odds—With a team full of offensive weapons waiting to explode, the Captials have to depend on their offense to make up for the lack of stellar goaltending and defense in front.

40 percent

3. Florida Panthers (94 Pts) vs. 6. New Jersey Devils (102 Pts)

Regular season series (Series tied 2-2)

Florida’s Odds—While the Panthers have arguably the best defensive team in the playoffs, between their strong defensive group and their forechecking forwards, their lack of goaltending and consistent offense will have them heading home early.

35 percent

New Jersey’s Odds—As long as Martin Brodeur is in net for the Devils, they will always have a chance to win. Add in an improved defense and a solid offense, and we have an upset special.

65 percent

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (108 Pts) vs. 5. Philadelphia Flyers (103 Pts)

Regular season series (Flyers lead 4-2)

Pittsburgh’s Odds—While the return to the lineup of Sidney Crosby has been a boost, the Penguins have looked flat at times. With blood boiling already in this matchup, this is the must-watch meeting of the first round.

45 percent

Philadelphia’s Odds—The Flyers have questions in net, but if goalie Ilya Bryzgalov can play at a consistent level, as he did before injuring his foot, Philadelphia will shock their in-state rivals.

55 percent

1. Vancouver Canucks (111 Pts) vs. 8. Los Angeles Kings (95 Pts)

Regular season series (Series tied 2-2)

Vancouver’s Odds—While the Presidents' Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks should mop the floor with LA, the inconsistency of Roberto Luongo and the firepower of the Kings have the Western Conference powerhouse on upset alert.

70 percent

Los Angeles’ Odds—As bad as the offense has been at times, the stellar defense and excellent goaltending from Jonathan Quick have kept the Kings relevant. Now that the scoring is coming around, LA could be very dangerous.

30 percent

2. St. Louis Blues (109 Pts) vs. 7. San Jose Sharks (96 Pts)

Regular season series (Blues lead 4-0)

St. Louis’ Odds—In one of the biggest surprises of the season, the St. Louis Blues have proved that they are not a fluke. San Jose will know soon enough

80 percent

San Jose’s Odds—Questions in net and always present issues of consistency will plague them against a Blues team that has their number. Yet another early playoff exit for Jumbo Joe.

20 percent

3. Phoenix Coyotes (97 Pts) vs. 6. Chicago Blackhawks (101 Pts)

Regular season series (Coyotes lead 3-1)

Phoenix’s Odds—It has been the consistency of the Coyotes all season that got them to this point, but the Blackhawks have more depth than almost any team in the Western Conference.

25 percent

Chicago’s Odds—If the Blackhawks get consistent goaltending, there is no reason their stellar defense and potent offense can't get hot and push Chicago back to the Stanley Cup.

75 percent

4. Nashville Predators (104 Pts) vs. 5. Detroit Red Wings (102 Pts)

Regular season series (Series tied 3-3)

Nashville’s Odds—While I have a vested interest in another series, this is the matchup that will steal the first-round show. The Predators have the perfect combination of elite goaltending, great defense and timely scoring to beat a juggernaut like the Red Wings.

51 percent

Detroit’s Odds—As good as Detroit has been over the years, their lack of depth has been their Achilles' heel for years. While Jimmy Howard is a top-tier goalie, defensive mistakes have cost the team at times this year.

49 percent

Check back for more on the National Hockey League as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NHL Page to get your fill of all things hockey.

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