NHL Playoffs 2012: Predicting How Teams Facing Elimination Will Fare in Series

Three teams already find themselves facing elimination in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs—the Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins—and the likelihood of each making a comeback looks slim.

Nonetheless, what are the chances that each can come back to win their series? Meanwhile, which teams are toast?

Questions, so many questions. Hopefully, I can provide a few answers.

Detroit Red Wings, down 3-1 to the Nashville Predators

If any team has a shot of fending off elimination, it is the Red Wings. All four games against the Predators have been hotly-contested. Furthermore, but for an unlucky shot off the crossbar in their last meeting, this series could be tied at two games apiece.

The Red Wings have the experience, firepower and goaltender to win this series. I don't think they will, but I think they'll rebound and take the Predators to Game 7.

Ultimately, I still like the Preds in this one.

Vancouver Canucks, down 3-0 to the Los Angeles Kings

The Canucks have the talent to stage a comeback against the Kings, but do they have the heart?

Will Daniel Sedin be able to come back for Game 4? Even if he does, will he be enough of a spark for his team?

I don't think so. I think that Vancouver will mount a comeback, which will eventually sputter out.

Look for the Kings to take this one in six.

Pittsburgh Penguins, down 3-0 to the Philadelphia Flyers

Let's keep this one simple—the Penguins are toast.

Unless they suddenly learn to keep their composure and play some defense—oh, and if Marc-Andre Fleury can regain his form—this team will be swept by a Flyers team playing excellent hockey right now.

With James Neal and Craig Adams suspended for Game 4, it seems unlikely the Penguins will make it out of Philly alive.

Look for the Flyers to sweep this one.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets light the lamp like Danny Briere.