NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Power Ranking Upset Potential in West's 1st Round

There is going to be at least one upset in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The lower seeds are loaded with talent and ability. They just have to put it all together, and at least one of the four lower seeds will do that. 

Below is a look at each first round series. We have the schedule, and grade each one's chances of ending in an upset. 

* Denotes if necessary

No. 1 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 8 Los Angeles Kings 

Chances of Upset: 20 percent

The Kings can't score goals. As you might imagine, this is going to prove to be problematic as they take on the mighty Canucks. 

However, the Kings aren't particularly fond of allowing goals, and they have a goalie that could almost single-handedly win this series for them. 

Johnathan Quick finished second in the NHL in GAA and fifth in save percentage at .929. If he gets hot, the Kings can win this series. 

Schedule

Wednesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles at Vancouver

Friday, April 13, 7 p.m., Los Angeles at Vancouver

Sunday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., Vancouver at Los Angeles 

Wednesday, April 18, 7 p.m., Vancouver at Los Angeles

*Sunday, April 22, TBD, Los Angeles at Vancouver

*Tuesday, April 24, TBD, Vancouver at Los Angeles

*Thursday, April 26, TBD, Los Angeles at Vancouver

No. 2 St. Louis Blues vs. No. 7 San Jose Sharks

Chances of Upset: 30 percent

The Blues swept the Sharks this season, but there is the distinct possibility that the Sharks were simply passing time during the regular season and waiting for the playoffs. 

This is largely the same team that has made back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals. 

The Blues had a fantastic season. They are a good team, but they may be undone by the savvy of the Sharks. 

Schedule

Thursday, April 12, 4:30 p.m., San Jose at St. Louis

Saturday, April 14, 4:30 p.m., San Jose at St. Louis

Monday, April 16, 7 p.m., St. Louis at San Jose

Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis at San Jose

*Saturday, April 21, 4:30 p.m., San Jose at St. Louis

*Monday, April 23, TBD, St. Louis at San Jose

*Wednesday, April 25, TBD, San Jose at St. Louis

No. 3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. No. 6 Chicago Blackhawks

Chances of Upset: 50 percent

The Coyotes are only the favorite here due to their Pacific Division crown giving them the higher seed. The Blackhawks had more points in the regular season, have more talent and—unlike Phoenix—they have an owner.

However, this is not going to be an easy upset. Phoenix easily handled the Blackhawks, 3-1, in the regular season. They also enter the playoffs having won five straight games. This series is headed for seven games. 

Schedule

Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m., Chicago at Phoenix

Saturday, April 14, 7 p.m., Chicago at Phoenix

Tuesday, April 17, 6 p.m., Phoenix at Chicago

Thursday, April 19, 5 p.m., Phoenix at Chicago

*Saturday, April 21, 7 p.m., Chicago at Phoenix

*Monday, April 23, TBD, Phoenix at Chicago

*Wednesday, April 25, TBD, Chicago at Phoenix

No. 4 Nashville Predators vs. No. 5 Detroit Red Wings

Chances of Upset: 25 percent

It takes a while for it to fully sink in that the Predators are favored over the Red Wings, but once that happens, you see it is justified, and likely that they will advance. 

The Predators made some nice additions and are playing fantastic hockey. They are loaded and have a great chance to advance out of the West, but don't expect the Red Wings to just roll over. 

Schedule

Wednesday, April 11, 5 p.m., Detroit at Nashville

Friday, April 13, 4:30 p.m., Detroit at Nashville

Sunday, April 15, Noon, Nashville at Detroit

Tuesday, April 17, 4:30 p.m., Nashville at Detroit

*Friday, April 20, 5 p.m., Detroit at Nashville

*Sunday, April 22, TBD, Nashville at Detroit

*Tuesday, April 24, TBD, Detroit at Nashville