NHL Playoffs 2012: Power Ranking East Favorites' Chances at Making Finals

There is bound to be at least one upset in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but in the end it will be one of the top four seeds that represents the conference in the finals. 

This conference is top-heavy. This will lead to a less-than-thrilling first round, but a great two rounds after that, and whoever emerges will be the likely favorite to win it all. 

New York Rangers

Chances of Making Finals: 40 percent

There's no way around it. The Rangers are the clear cut favorites to emerge from the East. That status largely stems from Henrik Lundqvist. 

He is playing better than any goalie in the league, and he was well-rested this year, which should help keep his play dropping off in the playoffs like it has in previous seasons. 

If the Rangers do not advance from the East, it is sure to stem from their lack of playoff experience and their terrible power play performance. 

Boston Bruins

Chances of Making Finals: 30

The Bruins cannot be counted out in this playoffs for one reason: goaltender Tim Thomas.

In 43 career playoff games, he has a .935 save percentage, a 2.06 goals-against average and five shutouts. Thomas will make sure the Bruins are a tough out for whoever they face. 

This team isn't all about Thomas, either. Defenseman Zdeno Chara is having a spectacular season and offers an amazing all-around game. 

This team is almost identical to the one that won it all last year, and it will be no shock if they repeat. 

Florida Panthers

Chances of Making Finals: 5 percent

The streaky Panthers have a shot to make if they can get everything clicking at the right time. That is a huge if, though, and they have little margin for error. 

This is a team that backed into the playoffs, has little playoff experience and is not nearly as talented as the teams in front of them. 

However, this is a scrappy collection of promising players that have come a long way in a short time. If they can get some momentum, they could make waves. 

Pittsburgh Penguins 

Chances of Making Finals: 25 percent

What a year it has been for the Penguins. They have struggled through injuries and persevered through it all to emerge healthy just in time for the playoffs. 

This should frighten their opponents. This is a team that has three potent scoring lines and a goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury who knows how to succeed on this stage. 

If the Penguins can stay healthy and find their rhythm, they can beat anyone.