NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Previews and Predictions for Tuesday Night's Games

Well, folks, from time to time we all get lucky. Such was the case with my predictions for Monday night's games. 

Last night, we saw all three road teams take the lead in their series. The Rangers, Bruins and St. Louis Blues were able to reclaim home-ice advantage, each with one-goal victories.

While it's fun to see all teams win on the road, this will not be the case this evening. Still in the first round, all fans should feel fortunate that we have three dandies ahead of us tonight.

As the playoffs roll on, the Nashville Predators are looking to separate themselves from the Red Wings and take a 3-1 series lead. The Chicago Blackhawks are hoping to be energized by their home crowd and move ahead in the series 2-1 against the Phoenix Coyotes. And if you have not been watching the Florida Panthers/New Jersey Devils series, tune in tonight. Many have overlooked this series, but the action has been end-to-end. Someone will take the lead in New Jersey tonight.

So let's do this. Here are the previews and predictions for Tuesday night's action. Enjoy. 

Predators vs. Red Wings

Hate him or love him, or think he should have been suspended or not, Shea Weber has established himself as the best player in this series.

The Nashville Predators made it clear around the trade deadline that they are going for it this year and they look poised to extend their lead in this series.

Questions are surrounding the Detroit Red Wings. They look tired and showing signs of age. Todd Bertuzzi has been a non-factor and Jimmy Howard has not been as sharp as he has in the past. Still, the Wings do have the character to summon the heart of a champion and pull level in this series. 

At the same time, the Preds are locked and loaded. One should fully expect that Pekka Rinne is going to be very difficult to beat, the defensive corps will be in excellent form and Nashville will attempt to win a transition game.

Prediction: It is a risky path to take, betting against The Wheel and thinking that they will lose back-to-back games on home ice. The Preds just look strong and, although I think Detroit will strike first, the Preds will wear them down and take a 3-1 series lead.

Nashville wins 4-2.

Coyotes vs. Blackhawks

Brendan Shanahan is still waiting. Nobody knows why, but he is holding Chicago Blackhawks winger Andrew Shaw hostage for his speculative hit in Game 2. Shanny will decide today whether or not Shaw should receive additional punishment. Mike Smith missed practice yesterday and perhaps that's why. According to Dave Tippett (via the Chicago Tribune), Mike Smith is fine, so what's the holdup?

Regardless of the outcome of the Shaw situation, there is still a hockey game to be played this evening in the Windy City. 

The Hawks were fortunate to come out on the right side of Game 2 after tying it late and winning in overtime. The two games have shown back-and-forth action and this series could easily go the distance.

Antoine Vermette, Raffi Torres and Keith Yandle have performed awfully well for the Phoenix Coyotes and that should continue. Though Smith missed practice on Monday, he'll be in the pipes tonight. If the 'Hawks find themselves in penalty trouble, then Phoenix will be in business, as the Hawks' penalty kill has been dreadful.

The 'Hawks will need a big game from Corey Crawford and Duncan Keith will have to play better than he did in Game 2. Marian Hossa should feel free to contribute in this series as well.

Prediction: I fully expect these two teams to split the games in Chicago, but tonight the Hawks will take it. Captain Serious and Patrick Sharp will have big games and while it will be close, the Hawks scratch out a win and take a 2-1 series lead.

Hawks win 3-2.

Panthers vs. Devils

I'm not sure this series has the attention or the TV ratings it deserves, but it has been a good one. Tied 1-1, the New Jersey Devils head home to continue battle with the Florida Panthers.

The message for the New Jersey Devils is simple: "Stay out of the box." Led by Stephen Weiss, the Panthers have mustered three power-play goals in the first two games at home.

The Devils, on the other hand, have only played two solid periods. It made the difference in their Game 1 victory and they nearly clawed their way back into Game 2.

Although players like Weiss, Kris Versteeg and Brian Campbell have had a good start to the series, I don't think we have seen the best of the Devils yet. That will be tonight.

Zach Parise is due for a big game and the Devils should be swift through the neutral zone. To the contrary, Jose Theodore could be primed for a shaky start tonight.

Prediction: The Devils come out flying and dominate the first period on their way to victory.

New Jersey wins 5-2.