NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Teams That Will Make Best of Home-Ice Advantage

Just think back to last year's Stanley Cup Finals and you'll see how important home ice can be when everything is on the line.

The home teams each won three games before the Boston Bruins broke through in Game 7 to win the Cup.

Home ice will again play a huge part in this year's playoffs and a few teams have more of an advantage than others.

Detroit Red Wings

The Wings open in Nashville against the Preds, but when they return to Joe Louis Arena they know they'll have the crowd at their back.

Joe Louis is an old venue, one where the crowd is breathing down the neck of opposing players, and it is impossible to ever truly feel comfortable when you don't call the place home.

They finished the season with a league-best mark of 31-7-3 at home.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago wasn't far behind at 27-8-6 at the United Center.

The Blackhawks fans bring the atmosphere to life and it is easily one of the toughest places to play in the entire NHL.

They also open on the road in Phoenix, but they'll be playing down there knowing the return north gives them a distinct edge.

Boston Bruins

We opened talking about the Bruins in TD Garden during the finals last year and we'll close with them as well.

The team with the best goal differential in the league went 24-14-3 this year at home, but the fans and team take things to another level in the postseason.

Boston kicks off their title defense at home against the Washington Capitals on Thursday and it would be surprising if they didn't get it started with a win.