NHL Playoffs 2012: Picks and Predictions for Each Friday Night Matchup

The 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs have been an incredible event so far, and it’s a shame that the first round is nearing a conclusion for some teams.

Both of the games tonight feature teams that are down 3-1 in their series and are hoping to crawl out of that hole.

Let’s take a look at each matchup and pick a winner.

Philadelphia Flyers over Pittsburgh Penguins

The Flyers allowed the Penguins back into the series on Wednesday night, giving up 10 goals in the process.

It’s been the most ridiculous Battle for Pennsylvania in recent memory, with fights, penalties, goals and everything else coming in excess.

Philadelphia needs to close this series out tonight and start preparing for the next round before things get out of hand.

Look for them to lean on Ilya Bryzgalov and hope he finally starts saving shots and living up to his $51 million contract. If he does, the Flyers will finish the upset.

Detroit Red Wings over Nashville Predators

This series has been closer than it appears on paper. Every single game has been decided by a single goal, although three of them have gone Nashville’s way and just one to Detroit.

The Red Wings have the experience to come back from this sort of deficit, especially if they can build and hold a lead. These guys never say die and aren’t willing to roll over in the Music City tonight.

Expect this game to be tough, but the Wings will prevail due to their veteran presence.