NHL Playoffs 2012: Potential First-Round Upsets to Watch For

One of the best elements of the first round of the NHL playoffs is the assortment of upsets that shock everyone. Once the playoffs start and the players hit the ice, it becomes abundantly clear that no high seed is safe.

With that in mind, I've identified three series I think could feature a surprising result. From underachieving teams that could potentially put it together come the playoffs to an experienced team that could translate savvy into a first-round upset, these three series deserve your full attention.

Eastern Conference:  (7) Washington Capitals over (2) Boston Bruins

It's a pretty simple formula: If the Capitals' can get Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Mike Green all playing at a high level simultaneously plus Tim Thomas only plays like an average goalie in the playoffs, it could equal a playoff upset for Washington.

While it's debatable whether or not regular-season records should be used to analyze postseason matchups, Washington did take three out of four against Boston this year. They are capable of pulling the upset in this one.

Western Conference: (7) San Jose Sharks over (2) St. Louis Blues

St. Louis is a very good team, but they are also young. Meanwhile, the experienced Sharks have seen their fair share of opportunities blow by in the playoffs, failing to fully play up to their potential in the past.

Could this be the year they change fortune?

No, they didn't beat St. Louis once this year (0-4). But they do come into the playoffs hot, having won seven of the last 10. If the young Blues down bring the intensity, the battle-tested Sharks send them home early.

Eastern Conference: (8) Ottawa Senators over (1) New York Rangers

When the Rangers are on, they are unbelievable. Problem is, they weren't on very often against Ottawa this year, losing three of four to the Senators.

Neither team comes into the playoffs playing particularly well, the Rangers losing two straight and Ottawa dropping three.

If Senators' goalie Craig Anderson can get hot and the dangerous Ottawa offense can crack New York's solid defense and goalie Henrik Lundqvist, the Senators could provide the shocker of the playoffs.

Don't be terribly surprised if they do.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are growing a playoff beard.

Western Conference: (3) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks