NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Breaking Down Tuesday's Matchups

With the 2012 NHL Playoffs proving why they are must-watch TV again this year, it’s time to break down the Round 1 matchups for Tuesday, April 17.

Some of the best teams in the league are ready to square off with should be the wildest Tuesday of this year. You better tell your work you’ll be late tomorrow.

All of the games will be fun to watch, but certain aspects of Tuesday’s action could shift the playoff balance. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Florida Panthers at New Jersey Devils

Game 3: Series tied 1-1

While some fans may love the 10 goals a game the Flyers and Penguins are scoring in their series, there is a die-hard sect of hockey fanatics that love defensive-minded hockey.

Both the Devils and Panthers play a suffocating style of defense, with each possessing forwards that forecheck with the best of them. All of the defense-first mindsets will make for a tough 2-1 game.

It’s impossible to predict a winner in these kinds of games because it almost always comes down to one lucky bounce that decides the outcome. With that said, I will take the Devils until Martin Brodeur retires; he is too good to ignore.

Nashville Predators at Detroit Red Wings

Game 4: Predators lead 2-1 

In what has become the wildest series in the Western Conference, the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are involved in an absolute war on the ice and along the boards.

From hits after the whistle to cheap shots against the glass, this series has turned into a powder keg waiting to explode. Add in the fact that is a pivotal Game 4, and this matchup is the most important of the night.

If the Preds can stay in their defensive lanes and play the aggressive forechecking style they have all year on Tuesday, they will take the commanding 3-1 series lead over Detroit.

Phoenix Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks

Game 3: Series tied 1-1

The Phoenix Coyotes are one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season, but they are facing off with one of the toughest squads they’d ever want to face in the Chicago Blackhawks.

With stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the Blackhawks will hand the Coyotes defense everything it can handle. If Phoenix goalie Mike Smith can stand strong, though, this series will swing in favor of the Coyotes.

As much as most fans will not care about this series, from a hockey fan’s point of view, this could be the most underappreciated series of the first round. Hopefully if this series goes seven games, fans will start to care.

Check back for more on the National Hockey League as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NHL Page to get your fill of all things hockey.

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