NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Predicting the Outcomes of Monday's Game 6 Showdowns

Monday night will feature two intense elimination games, as the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks will be fighting for their playoff lives.

After jumping out a 2-1 series lead, the Rangers failed to step on Ottawa's throat in Game 4. The Senators won in overtime, then added a 2-0 victory in Game 5 to take control of the series.

On the other side of the playoff bracket, the Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes have been battling in one of the closest series in recent memory. All five games have gone to overtime, including Thursday's game that saw the Blackhawks stave off elimination for the first time. Now, they will have to do it again.

Both games will be close, and the atmospheres will have the electricity that only playoff hockey can provide. Here are my predictions for both of Monday's showdowns.

New York Rangers @ Ottawa Senators: 7:00 p.m. ET

After getting shut out in Game 5, I'm expecting the Rangers to get their offense back on track and force a Game 7.

Between Marian Gaborik, Brad Richards and Ryan Callahan, they simply have too much talent to struggle so mightily in consecutive games. I also can't imagine Chicago goaltender Craig Anderson going for 41 saves like in his ridiculous Game 5 performance.

The Rangers will be without their top postseason goal scorer Brian Boyle, who suffered a concussion on Saturday. Still, I'm expecting the Blueshirts to stay alive.

Prediction: Rangers 3 - Senators 2

Phoenix Coyotes @ Chicago Blackhawks: 9:00 p.m. ET

The Blackhawks fought valiantly to come back in Game 5, using some stifling defense and goals from Nick Leddy and Jonathan Toews to escape Phoenix with the win.

In Game 6, I'm expecting them to build on their positive momentum and send the series back to Arizona.

Although they trailed for the majority of Game 5, the Blackhawks dictated the tempo from the start. They pressured Phoenix offensively throughout the contest, and held the Coyotes to just 19 shots on goal.

Look for a similar effort from the desperate Blackhawks on Monday.

Prediction: Blackhawks 2 - Coyotes 1