NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Predictions for Night 1 of Stanley Cup Postseason

The NHL postseason is here, and we have the schedule and predictions to get you started. 

The hits will be plentiful, and so will be the heartache, frustration and glory. Each will be felt over the course of a few weeks in what is the most amazing time of the year for hockey fans. 

The fact that parity abounds means we are in store for a marathon on ice as many of these series could be headed to at least six games. 

I say the more hockey action the better, and here is where we get it all started. 

It all kicks off on Wednesday night with three games that will keep every last NHL fan fat and giggly well into the weekend. 

Wednesday, April 11th

1. Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins - 7:30 p.m. ET - NBCSN

Might as well start with these two teams, because they will be here for some time. This has all the makings for a seven-game series sensation. 

Sidney Crosby continues to shake off any rust he may have accumulated, and the Penguins as a whole are scary deep. This game, like the series, will be tight to the finish, but I give the edge to Penguins to win at home. 

2. Detroit Red Wings at Nashville Predators - 8:00 p.m. ET - CNBC

It really is a shame that one of these teams will be headed home after only the first round. Either could threaten to feature in the Stanley Cup with rosters filled with talent. 

The Red Wings are 17-21-3 on the road, lending the majority of momentum to the Predators to start the series. 

Nashville may have the pressure on them to close out a perfect opportunity, but I don't see them dropping the first game. 

3. Los Angeles Kings at Vancouver Canucks - 10:30 p.m. ET - NHLNET

The enigma for me in this series continues to be Roberto Luongo. You just never know what kind of series he is going to give you. 

The Kings are a sneaky hot team that can certainly push this series to six or seven games. A dismal end to the season will carry over in an away loss to kickoff the playoffs. 

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