NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Breaking Down the Most Exciting Round 1 Matchups

The NHL playoffs have finally arrived, after more than six months of regular-season action, and there are a few tremendous opening-round matchups. Hockey is a unique sport because its physical nature usually means tensions run high, especially in an extended series.

Let's take a look at the three most intriguing battles of Round 1 and make predictions about each of their outcomes. Visit the league's official site for a full schedule and to follow along with each series.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

The best way to explain Pittsburgh's offensive dominance is to note that the Penguins scored 13 more goals than any other team even though Sidney Crosby only played 22 games. The league's most explosive offensive player will be ready for the playoffs.

That's worrisome news for a Flyers team with an inconsistent defensive end and lackluster play from high-profile addition Ilya Bryzgalov between the pipes. They also don't have enough firepower up front to keep up with Crosby and company.

Making it a physical series would be Philadelphia's only chance of knocking off its in-state rival. That will work for a couple games, but ultimately the Penguins' superior talent will take control and coast into the second round with momentum on their side.

Prediction: Penguins in six games

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals

Boston begins its journey to repeat as Stanley Cup champions with a tricky test against the Capitals. The Bruins lead the league in goal differential at plus-67 and earned points in eight of their last 10 games, so it's impossible to count them out despite a plethora of contenders.

The most impressive thing about the Bruins is their lack of a singular dominant force in the scoring department. No player has scored more than 67 points, but seven have had at least 40, illustrating the team's depth, which Washington can't match.

Even though the Capitals are capable of pulling off the upset, they rely heavily on Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. Both guys have been known to become invisible, especially if a team plays a physical style against them. Boston will do exactly that en route to a narrow escape.

Prediction: Bruins in seven games

Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings

The Predators made their intentions of contending for a title known around the trade deadline when they made several marquee moves to bolster their lineup. Bringing in Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Gaustad, none of whom were cheap additions, was a risk Nashville thought was worth taking.

Drawing a Red Wings team that set a record for most consecutive home wins hurts their chances, however. Detroit recently got No. 1 goalie Jimmy Howard back from injury to make Nashville's climb even more difficult.

Ultimately, this series will be decided by play up the middle.  The team whose centers are able to generate more offense for themselves and their wingers will advance. Both sides have talented groups, but the Red Wings should have an advantage in this area.

Prediction: Red Wings in six games