NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Most Intriguing First-Round Matchups

Now that the postseason matchups are set and we are a mere one day from the start of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it's time to start looking at potential upsets and nail-biters in the first round.

The New Jersey Devils are one of the teams being talked about as a potential sleeper after finishing the season on a six-game winning streak.

Here's a look at some of the most intriguing first-round matchups.

3. Chicago Blackhawks (No. 6 seed, Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Coyotes (No. 3 seed)

The Blackhawks and Coyotes both finished the season strong. The Blackhawks finished 6-1-3, while the Coyotes finished 7-1-2 with a five-game winning streak to cap it off.

Both teams have a similar goal difference this season (Blackhawks +10, Coyotes +12) and their strengths and weaknesses work hand in hand. The Coyotes are a solid defensive team, yet can struggle on offense. The Blackhawks score a lot, but also give up a lot of goals.

It makes for a great matchup.

2. Philadelphia Flyers (No. 5 seed, Eastern Conference) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (No. 4 seed)

C'mon, it's the Flyers and the Penguins going at it, what more do I have to say?!

The Flyers hold the season head-to-head series at 4-2, but the Penguins beat them in their last game by a two-goal difference. The Flyers finished 5-4-1, the Penguins finished 6-4.

The Penguins are the better team overall, with a much better goal difference this season (+64 to +32), but while the Penguins were first in scoring during the regular season, the Flyers were second. This could be a high-scoring series, with a shift in momentum here and there determining the winner.

1. New Jersey Devils (No. 6 seed, Eastern Conference) vs. Florida Panthers (No. 3 seed)

This could be the upset special, folks.

The Devils are riding high after winning their final six games to end the regular season. The Panthers have gone 2-3-5 in their last 10 games.

The Devils have the defense to seriously limit the struggling Panthers' offense and the Panthers gave up a combined 21 goals in their final four games.

I would actually be surprised if the higher-seeded Panthers won this series.

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