NHL Playoff TV Schedule 2012: Penguins vs. Flyers and Matchups You Can't Miss

The NHL playoffs got off to a tremendous start on Wednesday night with all three games being close battles that weren't decided until the third period or overtime. If that's a sign of things to come, hockey fans are in for quite a treat this postseason.

Let's take a look at three matchups in the first round that will steal the spotlight, mostly because they will likely be extended series. For a complete look at the television schedule for the entire opening round, check out the league's official site.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

There were high hopes for the in-state rivalry series after a couple epic battles during the regular season, and the first game lived up to the massive hype. The Penguins streaked out to a 3-0 lead, but the Flyers fought all the way back to win in overtime thanks to Jakub Voracek.

Slowing down either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin will be the key for Philadelphia. If one of them has a good game, like Crosby did last night, the Flyers still have enough firepower to win. But if both guys dominate, the Penguins roll.

After losing home-ice advantage in Game 1, Pittsburgh faces an uphill battle. Doing the dirty work in the corners, where they were consistently outworked when it mattered most, will be the key to getting back on track on Friday.

Game 2: Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals

The Bruins and Capitals will kick things off tonight in Boston. Even though the Bruins are the defending champions and higher seed, they aren't a lock to advance. The Capitals won the season series 3-1, and won't be an easy out.

It's an interesting matchup because both sides approach the game differently. Washington relies on its star power, most notably Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin, to win games. The Capitals had to fight to earn a playoff berth, so they also have momentum.

Boston, on the other hand, uses a more balanced scoring approach. Along with the team's strong defense, it was enough to give them the league's best goal differential. Although the Bruins would like to advance quickly from Round 1 to save some gas for later rounds, they're in for a battle.

Game 1: Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Network

Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings

Yesterday's first game between Nashville and Detroit was a perfect example of how the game changes in the playoffs. The Predators received three goals from two players who scored just 14 goals between them during the regular season. In conservative games, unsung heroes tends to emerge.

Nashville's first goal came from Paul Gaustad, a trade deadline acquisition. The Predators made several moves in an attempt to make a run at the Stanley Cup and the results have been promising. They won't be able to steamroll the Red Wings, however.

The longtime Western Conference powerhouse had the league's best home record, which including a record-setting winning streak. That, along with several dynamic offensive weapons, means the Predators must continue to hold serve at home to advance.

Game 2: Friday at 7:30 p.m. on CNBC