NHL Playoffs 2012: Previewing and Predicting Sunday's Games

Well I am clearly no Nostradamus. In fact, I can't even touch Madam Cleo after my 1-4 record on Saturday's predictions. 

Top seeds look out! Anyone, and I mean anyone can be a hero and any team can come into the postseason and win games. 

After yesterday, I sit 11-9 since Monday, but though my Saturday picks were off the mark, I certainly was not disappointed with the result of the games.

So, if you would like to take these picks with a grain of salt please feel free, but I believe that you will see two of three top seeds eliminated in Sunday's action.

Without further ado, let's take a look at what to expect in today's games. 

Penguins vs. Flyers

Is it possible to see both teams in this series beat each other three times in a row? Smart money says no, but when has there ever been a sure thing in this matchup.

One player needs to step up for the Flyers and that is Ilya Bryzgalov. As we watched Marc-Andre Fleury return to form in Game 5 of the series, Bryz will have to match that effort if the Flyers finally feel like closing the deal today in Philly.

It will be the perfect way to kick off the day. A noon start will have fans chomping at the bit.

Though the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing with confidence, I would look to the Flyers' big guns to take charge today. Players like Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell will take center stage and push the envelope.

Prediction

I like the Flyers today. It could be close, but the boys in orange will play with more intensity and more desperation after back-to-back loses. If Bryz plays the way he's capable of, Philly gets out of this alive.

Flyers win 4-3. 

Bruins vs. Capitals

When the Washington Capitals acquired Troy Brouwer from the Chicago Blackhawks last June, this is what they had in mind. They were looking for a playoff-tested player that could raise his game at the right occasion.

Brouwer sealed the deal late in the third period of yesterday's 4-3 win to take a 3-2 series lead back to Washington.

Without a doubt, that was a shot that Tim Thomas would like back. In fact, while Braden Holtby did what he needed to do at the opposite end of the ice, Tim Thomas was not sharp and that was the difference in the game.  

I was not on the Holtby bandwagon through four games of this series, but I have one foot on it right now. He is a game away from sending the Bruins to the golf course in what would be a significant upset.

It's not just Holtby. The Caps have had a very balanced scoring attack and if they can get a lead today as they did yesterday, Boston looked really uncomfortable chasing the rabbit.

Prediction

I like the Caps closing it out at home in a Sunday matinee. Holtby will stay in form and you will see the Caps play with urgency.

Capitals win, 3-2 in OT.

Kings vs. Canucks

Right now, the Canucks are a dangerous team. They got everything they needed in their Game 4 win in Los Angeles against the Kings. 

The Kings went at them and Corey Schneider was excellent, turning away 43 pucks. 

The Canucks have both Sedin brothers healthy now and will be on three-days rest before getting after it tonight at home.

If the Kings are to take the series tonight, it may rest on the shoulders of Jonathan Quick. As opposed to Game 4, the Canucks will set the tempo tonight in their own barn and unless the Kings can weather the early storm and frustrate the Canucks attack, it could be a long game.

The Canucks are coming with a new look up front. "The Three Mouthkateers," "The Whine Line," "Dive Overdrive" or whatever you want to call it should be interesting to watch. Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows and Max Lapierre will round out the Canucks' second line.

Prediction

The Canucks will extend the series tonight. They will play hard and desperate and will show why they are deserving of the Presidents' Trophy.

Canucks win 4-2.