NHL Playoff Bracket 2012: Underdogs Ready to Deliver First-Round Upsets

We are a day away from the first puck dropping in the 2012 NHL Playoffs, and we have it in our minds that some amazing surprises are in store. 

Parity abounds all over the NHL bracket, and that means we are in store for one hell of a ride. Forget a quick and simple collection of series, because a good amount of these things have the juice to go all seven. 

After that, anything is possible. 

Some legitimate Stanley Cup contenders may be sent packing well before the job is done. Here is where we break down the likely upsets that will take place in a raucous first round. 

For a look at an NHL Bracket, visit the official page of the NHL. 

1. Los Angeles Kings

The first round is going to be really good for even fair weather fans. While the Penguins and Flyers kick things off in the most obvious rivalry, the west coast will show they can do mutual hatred just as well. 

The Kings take on their rivals and No. 1 seed the Vancouver Canucks. The Kings are coming off a lackluster end to the season, but have the firepower to make strides against a tenuous goalie in Roberto Luongo. 

You never know what you will get from Luongo and a seven-game series will not bode well for his mental hold on the game. This could get messy in a hurry. 

2. Washington Capitals

The postseason is as much about momentum as it is about talent, and the Capitals have a great deal of both.

They closed out the season going 6-2-2 and have finally welcomed back the classic form of star Alex Ovechkin. Many are too quick to dismiss a Capitals team that can get red hot in an instant. 

3. San Jose Sharks

Call it a hunch, but the Sharks are my pick to really get things off to a shocking start in the 2012 NHL Playoffs. 

The Sharks are not about to go quietly, even to a young and talented team like the Blues. However, I will take experience and poise in this situation to trump all in what will be a seven-game series. 

The Blues give teams fits in shooting the puck with regularity, but the Sharks don't have such issues and are prolific shooters. 

They are the perfect match for this crew of young stars. 

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