NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Quick Picks for Every First-Round Matchup

The 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs begin soon, and there are eight exciting matchups in the first round.

Let’s take a quick look at each one of them and pick a winner for the series.

East 

No. 1 New York Rangers vs. No. 8 Ottawa Senators

While Ottawa took the season series 3-1, they will not be able to repeat that against the best team in the East.

The Rangers haven’t been playing their best hockey as of late, but they’ll get it together over this seven-game series and knock off the Senators with great defense and goalkeeping.

Prediction: Rangers in six.

No. 2 Boston Bruins vs. No. 7 Washington Capitals

The Bruins have got to prove they are capable of defending their Stanley Cup championship, and that starts with Tim Thomas regaining his elite stature.

If he is playing out of his mind, the rest of the team will follow suit.

They have an easy matchup against an underwhelming Caps team that focuses far too much on Ovechkin and not enough on goalkeeping.

Prediction: Bruins in six.

No. 3 Florida Panthers vs. No. 6 New Jersey Devils

If Martin Brodeur can play excellently, the Devils are certainly contenders to hoist the Stanley Cup at the end of the postseason.

Even though they are a No. 6 seed, NJ is the clear favorite and has an advantage over Florida.

Prediction: Devils in five.

No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers

This battle for Pennsylvania is going to be extremely tight, as both teams absolutely hate each other and have been trading blows for the past two weeks.

Neither side has a distinct advantage—anyone could win.

Prediction: Flyers in seven.  

West 

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

Vancouver is hungry and looking for revenge for their defeat in the Stanley Cup Finals last season, while the Kings are limping into the playoffs.

It’s going to be a one-sided matchup and almost a formality.

Prediction: Canucks in four.

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

St. Louis is a ridiculous 43-15-11 since hiring Ken Hitchcock on Nov. 6. They might be the hottest team in hockey, and the Sharks don’t have a shot of cooling them off.

Prediction: Blues in five.

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

The ‘Yotes managed to win the division title for the first time in franchise history. They will ride that feel-good story past the rebuilding Blackhawks.

Prediction: Coyotes in six.

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

This is going to be an extremely close battle, and it will likely come down to the health of Wings goalie Jimmy Howard.

He’s been struggling lately, and if he continues to be hampered by injury, it’ll be tough for Detroit to win.

However, a healthy and dominant Howard easily swings the series.

Prediction: Red Wings in seven.